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Int J Sports Med 2003; 24(8): 597-602
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-43273
Orthopedics & Biomechanics
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Kinematics of Spinal Motion During Prolonged Rowing

P. J. E.  Holt1 , A. M. J.  Bull2 , P. M. M.  Cashman2 , A. H.  McGregor1
  • 1Musculoskeletal Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital Campus, Fulham Palace Road, London, United Kingdom
  • 2Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Bagrit Centre, Mechanical Engineering Building, South Kensington Campus, London, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: March 21, 2003

Publication Date:
04 November 2003 (online)

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Abstract

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.

Key words

Anteroposterior motion - lumbar spine - force curve profiles - rowing kinematics - low back pain

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Dr. A. H. McGregor

Musculoskeletal Surgery · Faculty of Medicine · Imperial College London · Charing Cross Hospital Campus

Fulham Palace Road

London W6 8RF

United Kingdom ·

Phone: +44 20 8383 8831

Fax: +44 20 8383 8835

Email: a.mcgregor@imperial.ac.uk

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