An instrumented ergometer for the examination of rowing biomechanics

A description is given of an instrumentation package that has been developed to collect data for the study of rowing biomechanics. Presently, this system, interfaced with a current version of the Concept II rowing ergometer, acquires and analyzes handle and footstretcher kinetics, as well as handle, limb segment, and seat kinematics. Given these measurements, limb segment positions and joint moments of the athlete can be calculated to produce a customized, biomechanical model of the rower. The authors also present representative data and results to illustrate the application of this technology to rowing performance assessment. Examples are drawn from a variety of different performance levels, from novice to elite.>