Hamstring Flexibility and Lumbopelvic Movement: Will Ruth

Focus on Hip Control to Improve Rowing Performance: Blake Gourley

Periodized Nutrition Strategies: Joe DeLeo

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Association between hamstring flexibility and lumbopelvic posture and kinematics during ergometer rowing. Weerts, J., Bashkuev, M., Pan, F. & Schmidt, H. (2019). Translational Sports Medicine, 2.

Researchers tested the hamstring flexibility of 17 junior male rowers, then evaluated their lumbar spine and pelvic movement during a 500-meter erg test. Hamstring flexibility score was non-significantly correlated to total lumbar spine range of motion, and not correlated at all to lumbar spine position at the catch, total pelvic movement, or pelvic position at the catch. The results of this study suggest that hamstring flexibility is not a critical factor for rowing success, and that coaches and rowers should focus on other areas to improve technique, increase performance, and reduce injury risk.

Body motion and rowing performance: association between hip angle and rowing performance: a pilot study. Fumoto, M., Sera, Y., Azuma, K., Sato, K., & Matsumoto, H. (2020). The Keio Journal of Medicine, 69(3).

Researchers analyzed the hip, pelvic, and knee angle of 11 male rowers while they performed an all-out 2K on a Concept 2 erg. Researchers found an association between greater consistency of hip angle at the catch and 2K performance. This study demonstrates that the consistency of our hip angle, not just the total amount of hip angle, may be one of the keys to peak rowing performance. Coaches and rowers can use this information to train with a focus on hip control, in and out of the boat, under different loads, at different speeds, and under fatigue.

Free Bonus Content! Interview with rowing physical therapist Dr. Lisa Russell

Seasonal changes in anthropometric, physiological, nutritional, and performance factors in collegiate rowers. Iguchi, J., Kuzuhara, K., Katai, K., Hojo, T., Fujisawa, Y., Kimura, M., Yanagida, Y., & Yamada Y. (2020) Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(11).

Researchers tracked total energy intake and expenditure of 15 collegiate oarsmen during a 37-week training year. Their findings provide a better understanding of the energy demands associated with rowing for each respective training phase in the year. The researchers found that significant higher levels of carbohydrate and fat intake can contribute to better performance. Coaches and rowers can use this information to individualize their nutrition to their training demands and have their best performance.

Free Bonus Content! Interview with Rowing Ireland athlete Aifric Keogh and Dr. Sharon Madigan, Head of Performance Nutrition at the Ireland Sports Institute

About Science of Rowing

“Science of Rowing” is a monthly publication created by three dual rowing-strength coaches, Will Ruth, Blake, Gourley, and Joe DeLeo. Our goal is to move research into practice for coaches and rowers of all ages, types, and levels. We are entirely member-funded and do not promote products or sell advertisements. Members receive one issue each month containing three reviews of recent and applicable research in rowing training, strength training for rowing, and other relevant performance areas like psychology, injury analysis, technology, and more. Each issue includes video and graphic content to help move the knowledge into practice, as well as a podcast episode of the three of us discussing the takeaways and our experiences. Membership includes access to all prior issues, so join us for one month and get access to every issue. We also offer discounted annual and team memberships, as well as gift memberships for a special rower or coach in your life.

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