Development and Validation of a Quantitative Dynamic Analysis System for Optimizing Dragon Boat Paddling Mechanics

This research summarizes the development and verification of the quantitative dynamic analysis system of dragon boat paddling. The aim of this system is to study the mechanism of paddle force and footrest force in the process of human-boat system and power transmission. The goal is to improve the scientificity of dragon boat training. The system integrates a data module for obtaining the force applied by the paddle and footrest, and the data is wirelessly transmitted to the software backend, enabling the collection of comprehensive biomechanical data without affecting the paddlers’ natural paddling technique. A series of experiments carried out on members of the dragon boat team of Sanming University demonstrate the system’s capacity to capture a series of performance indicators, including paddle force, footrest force, stroking rate and force pulse. Research has identified that the timing of peak paddling force varies among different athletes, exhibiting two distinct paddling styles: the front and post power types. As the stroking rate increases, paddlers primarily maintain paddle efficiency by reducing recovery time. The average and peak values of paddle force, as well as the average footrest force, demonstrate a positive correlation with paddle frequency. The ratio of the average to peak footrest force increases with stroking rate, which is in opposition to the trend of paddle force variation. These findings suggest that changes in paddle frequency have a substantial impact on the power output and paddle technique of paddlers. The analysis of force synchronicity is instrumental in determining the efficiency of paddling, a crucial aspect for the optimization of performance and training. By examining the synchronous relationship between paddling force and footrest force, we can gain insights into the efficiency and technique of paddlers’ paddling. This research offers a novel approach for the mechanical analysis and optimization of dragon boat rowing, holding significant value for the customization of training regimens and the enhancement of performance. Additionally, it can assist coaches and athletes in the selection and refinement of sports equipment.