Volume 3, Issue 6 (June, 2022)
Intentional Thinking for Rowers Boosts Performance on a 2K Erg Test – By Frank Clayton
Low Back Pain & Spinal Erector Recruitment – By Blake Gourley
How Rowers Can Use the Squat Jump to Improve Explosive Power – By Joe DeLeo
MEMBERS: Log-In and Download PDF
Not a member yet? Join us to begin reading now.
Article Summaries
Lloyd, M., Terry, P. (2006). What champions think: optimal attentional strategies for 2000m
rowing. Psychology Bridging the Tasman: Science, Culture and Practice.
Ten World Championship Medalists answered a questionnaire to reveal their best strategies while performing a 2000m erg test. Researchers focused on identified themes and the roles they played in
the performance of a 2k. The results of the study suggest particular areas of focus may be beneficial at certain parts of the performance. Research to determine an optimal model of attentional strategy for
rowers is worth investigating further. Coaches and rower could focus on developing particular strategies for specific phases within a 2k to improve performance.
Martinez-Valdes, E., Wilson, F., Fleming, N., McDonnell, S., Horgan, A., Falla, D. (2019). Rowers
with a recent history of low back pain engage different regions of the lumbar erector spinae during
rowing. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.
Researchers examined the muscle recruitment of the spinal erectors in 18 competitive rowers. Eight of the rowers had a recent history of low back pain, while 10 of the rowers had not experienced low back
pain for over 12 months. Researchers found that rowers who had recently experienced low back pain showed altered muscle recruitment patterns that over rely on the erector spinae muscles. After rowers experience low back pain coaches and rowers should make sure pain has been cleared by a medical professional, identify the root cause of the pain, and address any technical, movement, or strength limitations so rowers don’t continue to over rely on their low back muscles.
Maciejewski, H., Rahmani, A., Chorin, F., Lardy, J., Samozino, P., & Ratel, S. (2019). Methodological
considerations on the relationship between the 1,500-M rowing ergometer performance and
vertical jump in national-level adolescent rowers. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research,
33(11).
Researchers had 14 male juniors perform a 1500-meter rowing ergometer trial and squat jump test. The researchers sought to determine if there was a relationship between 1,500-meter rowing performance, body mass, and lower limb power across three different equations. The researchers found that there was a significant correlation between 1,500-meter rowing ergometer performance and average power generated by the lower limbs during the squat jump. Coaches and rowers can use this information to better improve the methods to develop explosive power and talent identification.
About Science of Rowing
“Science of Rowing” is a monthly publication created by three dual rowing-and-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.
