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Int J Sports Med 2023; 44(14): 1043-1048
DOI: 10.1055/a-1990-9787
Training & Testing

Mechanics and Energetic Analysis of Rowing with Big Blades with Randall Foils

Ricardo Cardoso
1   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2   Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
,
Manoel Rios
1   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2   Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
,
Diogo Carvalho
1   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2   Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
,
Ana Sofia Monteiro
1   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2   Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
,
Susana Soares
1   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2   Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
,
J. Arturo Abraldes
3   Faculty of Sports Sciences, Movement Sciences and Sport, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
,
Beatriz B. Gomes
4   Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Portugal
,
João Paulo Vilas-Boas
1   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2   Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
,
Ricardo J. Fernandes
1   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2   Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
› Author Affiliations Funding Information Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P.(2021.04976.BD individual grant)
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Abstract

Empirical observations support that the addition of a plastic strip – also known as Randall foils – on the top edge of a rowing blade improves rowing efficiency during the cycle propulsive phase. The aim of the current study was to analyze the effect of using big blades with and without Randall foils on rowing performance. Twenty experienced rowers performed two 90 s tethered rowing bouts (with and without Randall foils) to assess their impact on force production and physiologic variables. All tests were randomized and a repeated measure design was used to compare experimental conditions. Higher values of peak and mean peak forces (479.4±134.7 vs. 423.2±153.0, d=0.83 and 376.5±101.4 vs. 337.1±113.3 N, d=0.68), peak oxygen uptake (47.9±7.5 vs. 45.3±7.3 mL∙kg−1∙min−1, d=0.19), peak blood lactate concentration (7.9±1.6 vs. 6.9±1.7 mmol∙L−1, d=0.16), blood lactate increasing speed (0.08±0.01 vs. 0.07±0.06 [(mmol·L−1)·s−1], d=0.27) and lactic anaerobic energy (27.4±7.9 vs. 23.4±8.1 kJ, d=0.23) were found for big blades with vs. without Randall foils, p<0.05. The current data suggest that the Randall foils can positively affect rowing performance.

Key words

rowing - blade - foils - performance - force - metabolism


Publication History

Received: 28 July 2022

Accepted: 30 November 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
30 November 2022

Article published online:
06 October 2023

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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