Three-Axes Gyro System Quantifying the Specific Balance of Rowing

Abstract

Stabilizing the balance of the boat is a main task of the rowing motion. This leads to movements which are asymmetrical relative to the boat's plane of symmetry. The three-dimensional motion of the boat should be measured when investigating the elements of keeping the balance. This spatial motion must be described by the three components of the translational velocity and the three components of the angular velocity. The latter values can be measured using gyros. A system was developed which employs these sensors. The system is small and light enough to be used aboard a single scull. Measurements which were obtained using this system conclude the article. They illustrate some factors of importance for the stability of the boat and demonstrate the suitability of the system presented.

Key words

Biomechanics - mechanisms of regulation - performance diagnosis - three-dimensional motion