Low back pain is a common problem in rowers of all levels. Few studies have looked
at the relationship between rowing technique, the forces generated during the rowing
stroke and the kinematics of spinal motion. Of particular concern with respect to
spinal injury and damage are the effects of fatigue during long rowing sessions.
A technique has been developed using an electromagnetic motion system and strain
gauge instrumented load cell to measure spinal and pelvic motion and force generated
at the handle during rowing on an exercise rowing ergometer. Using this technique
13 elite national and international oarsmen (mean age 22.43 ± 1.5 y) from local
top squad rowing teams were investigated. The test protocol consisted of a one hour
rowing piece. During this session rowing stroke profiles were quantified in terms
of lumbopelvic kinematics and stroke force profiles. These profiles were sampled
at the start of the session and at quarterly intervals during the hour piece. From
this data we were able to quantify the motion of the lumbar spine and pelvis during
rowing and relate this to the stroke force profile. The stroke profiles over the
one hour piece were then compared to examine the effects of prolonged rowing. This
revealed marked increases in the amount of spinal motion during the hour piece. The
relevance of this with regard to low back pain requires further investigation.
Anteroposterior motion - lumbar spine - force curve profiles - rowing kinematics -
low back pain
