Analysis of muscle activity during rowing stroke phases.

Purpose: Rowing engages large muscle groups and electromyography (EMG) analysis is used to assess athletes' condition and refine sports technique. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the muscle activation level during different phases of the rowing cycle on an ergometer.

Methods: In a study involving one professional and five amateurs, the mean EMG amplitudes from the quadriceps, gastrocnemius, biceps and triceps brachii were analyzed during different phases of rowing. A comparison was made between the degree of muscle engagement during the exercise between the professional and inexperienced individuals as well as among the different individuals during recordings obtained at different rowing speeds. The correlation coefficient between the values recorded using a strain gauge and the EMG amplitude recorded from the surface of the biceps and triceps brachii muscles was evaluated.

Results: The muscle activation pattern during rowing has a predictable character. A difference in the muscle activation pattern during rowing between the professionals and amateurs was observed. The EMG signal is correlated with the force recorded by the resistive strain gauge only in the experienced rower at stroke rates 20 and 25 [1/min].

Conclusions: Electromyographic analysis can be useful for assessing the correctness of rowing techniques. The activation pattern of muscles during rowing has a predictable nature. The force generated by the participants increases with an increase in rowing frequency.