Performance and segmental velocity in Olympic and Traditional Rowing: an analysis in female rowers at different intensities

Introduction: rowing power is one of the main factors that influences the increase in boat speed, and the increase in the speed of body segments enhances stroke velocity in Olympic Rowing. Objective: the objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between the velocity of each segment and performance at different stroke rates, and to examine the differences between Traditional Rowing and Olympic Rowing. Methodology: thirteen highly trained national-level female rowers performed sets at 18, 24, and 30 strokes per minute (spm) on rowing ergometers for both modalities. Video analysis was carried out using the Rower Up analysis system. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to establish relationships between segment velocity and rowing performance. The magnitude of the correlation coefficient was interpreted as trivial (<0.1), small (0.1–0.3), moderate (0.3–0.5), strong (0.5–0.7), very strong (0.7–0.9), and almost perfect/perfect (0.9–1). Results: Traditional Rowing shows significant correlations in the trunk at 18 spm (r=0.375; p<0.001), 24 spm (r=0.560; p<0.001) and at 30 spm (r=0.243; p=0.099). Arms shows significant correlation at 18 spm (r=0.476; p<0.001) and at 24 spm (r=0.257; p=0.005). Olympic Rowing shows significant correlations in the legs at 18 spm (r=0.448; p<0.001), 24 spm (r=0.584; p<0.001) and at 30 spm (r=0.531; p<0.001). Arms shows significant correlation at 30 spm (r=0.433; p<0.001). Conclusions: the velocity of the legs in Olympic Rowing showed higher correlation than in Traditional Rowing at all intensities, whereas the velocity of the trunk showed the opposite, where the trunk never correlated with performance.