Mechanics and Biomechanics of Rowing: A Review

Abstract

Despite relatively numerous studies, the biomechanics of rowing remains poorly understood. Much of the data is contradictory and, worse still, there appears to be a lack of consensus on the mechanical background of rowing, which leads to different approaches to the measurement of a number of parameters known by the same terms. This makes direct comparison impossible. For this reason, the present review divides the discussion of relevant biomechanical problems into two stages. The first stage involves the construction of mechanical models of the rowing element under consideration, compilation of equations, and determination of parameters used in these equations. In the second stage, experimentally obtained empirical data on these parameters are discussed.