Rowing ergometers are widely used in land-based training for various types of athletes. The relationship between athletic performance, mechanical power, physiological indicators, and other factors has been discussed about the fixed-type rowing ergometer. However, it has been pointed out that the movement and sensation of the athlete differed from the actual rowing motion on water. To address this issue, a slide-type rowing ergometer has been devised, where the ergometer is placed on rails, allowing both the seat and the ergometer to slide. However, there is limited prior research on the slide-type rowing ergometer, and many aspects regarding its usefulness remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize junior and senior rowers using a sliding ergometer. A custom-made Air pressure resistance type rowing ergometer (Concept II model c indoor Rower) was used for this study. The sliding-type rowing ergometer was mounted on two ergometer slides (manufactured by Concept II).
The subjects were 12 high school and college rowers who performed a 2000 m simulation using a sliding rowing ergometer. Rowing motion was filmed by a high speed video camera (200fps) from right angles beside the subject. Hip and knee joint angles were measured as 180 degrees of full extension. The subject placed their foot on each foot plate (VINE, 200Hz). Spatiotemporal parameters of the handle, mechanical output from the handle and stretcher, and angular displacements and angular velocities of the ankle, knee, and hip were calculated. Senior rowers had shorter drive phases and longer recovery phases. Senior rowers also had higher handle and stretcher forces. Senior rowers are suggested to utilize different techniques than juniors during rowing due to higher leg and handle strength and different drive and recovery times
