Quantitative analysis of head and trunk posture in rowers during ergonometric training / Análise quantitativa da postura da cabeça e tronco de remadores durante um treinamento ergonométrico

Rowers may develop adverse postural mechanics in an attempt to increase ergometry stroke output. To evaluate dynamic posture of the head and trunk, kinematic data were recorded from 2 elite (S1, male; S3, female) and 2 novice (S2, male; S4, female) rowers while they performed a 2500 m race on a Concept II ergometer. Ten consecutive strokes executed at the end of the race, at every 500 minterval, and during the last 200 m, were analysed. The outcome variables were head and trunk posture related to the vertical line, relative head-trunk angle and maximal angular velocity (MAV) of the head’s flexion/extension during the rowing cycle. All athletes revealed distinct dynamic postural patterns of the body segments. S1 exhibited a smooth and synchronized motion of the head and trunk. S3 demonstrated outstanding overall postural control. S2 and S4 showed excessive head movements and premature head and trunk reversals. S4 exhibited the highest MAV at the end of the drive phase. Repetitive head movements with high MAV and poor upper body postural control may result in microtrauma at cervical joints and vestibule-cochlear perturbations. Coaches may benefit from an in-depth understanding of these postural mechanisms to optimise the performance of their athletes.