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THIGH MUSCLE ACTIVITIES IN ROWERS DURING SINGLE AND LINKED DYNAMIC ERGOMETER TRIALS

Abstract

Rowing ergometers are an effective mode of cross training when on water (OW) rowing is unavailable. Ergometer design has much capacity for advancement. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate if differences in leg muscle activation existed in an individual rowing on a single dynamic ergometer (SDE) versus a linked dynamic ergometer (LDE). It was hypothesized that there would be no change in muscle activation if power output (PO) and stroke rate (SR) were held constant. METHODS: Nine subjects from a collegiate rowing team performed two 1000m trials at an average PO of 200W and a SR of 22 strokes/min on a Concept2 Class D ergometer placed on Concept2 slides. Muscle activation of the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and biceps femoris (BF) were recorded using electromyography (EMG) during the 500m and 750m segment of the total 1000m. PO and SR were recorded from the ergometer(s) in use. In one trial the subject rowed independently on a SDE. In another trial the subject was randomly paired with a partner and completed the same protocol on an LDE with subject on the front ergometer. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in maximum, average, and total muscle activation of the RF, VL, and BF (p>.05), however there was a significant increase (36%, p=.016) in maximum activation of the VL during the recovery phase). CONCLUSION: The lack of significant differences in muscle activation in all muscles, except the VL during the recovery phase, provides evidence that there may be no increase in muscular training benefits in training on an LDE versus a SDE.

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