THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ROWING STROKE MECHANICS AND RESPIRATORY MUSCLE FUNCTION: DOES THE ATHLETES' POSTURAL CONTROL AFFECT PERFORMANCE?

Griffith, L. A., & McConnell, A. K. (2012). The influence of rowing-related postures upon respiratory muscle pressure and flow generating capacity. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 112, 4143 – 4150.

During the rowing stroke, the respiratory muscles are not only responsible for ventilation but are also heavily involved in postural control, trunk stabilisation and effectively transferring propulsive forces. The position of the trunk relative to other body parts can negatively impact breathing mechanics, with the rowing stroke clearly demonstrating how the demands of the sport can create such a conflict. The main aim of this investigation was to assess the influence of the postural role of the trunk muscles upon pressure and flow generating capacity and whether these were impaired in positions that are similar to those experienced at the catch and finish positions of the rowing stroke.