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Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(2): 109-116
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268412
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Thigh Muscle Activities in Elite Rowers During On-Water Rowing

A. Guével1 , S. Boyas1, , 2 , V. Guihard3 , C. Cornu1 , F. Hug1 , A. Nordez1
  • 1University of Nantes, Laboratory Motricité, Interactions, Performance (EA 4334), Faculty of Sport Sciences, Nantes, France
  • 2University of Ottawa, School of Human Kinetics, Ottawa, Canada
  • 3Fédération Française des Sociétés d’Aviron, Ligue d’Aviron des Pays de la Loire, Saint-Nazaire, France
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision September 28, 2010

Publication Date:
25 November 2010 (online)

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Abstract

This study analysed the muscle activity levels and patterns of the major thigh muscle activation during training sections at different intensities of on-water rowing. 9 experienced rowers performed 2 imposed-pace sections (B1 and B2) and 2 maximal-speed sections (start, 500 m) of on-water rowing. The knee angle, power output, mean torque and stroke rate were measured using specific instrumentation and were synchronised with surface electromyography signals of 5 superficial quadriceps and hamstring muscles. B1 and B2 sections were not significantly different regarding mechanical parameters and EMG activities, while the start phase induced large differences. The EMG patterns for B1, B2 were similar (cross-correlation coefficients (CC) ranged between 0.972–0.984) and the moderate CC found between both B1 and start (0.605–0.720) and B2 and start (0.629–0.720). Our results suggest that the hamstring muscles have a motor action and contribute to the power production during the leg drive. During an all-out 500 m section, a decrease in power and stroke rate was found (up to 20%). However, EMG patterns were not time shifted for all muscles. During the leg drive, the muscle activity levels of the quadriceps muscles were unchanged, while the activity of the hamstring muscles decreased.

Key words

surface electromyography - muscular activation pattern - quadriceps - hamstring

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Correspondence

Prof. Arnaud Guével

University of Nantes

Faculty of Sport Sciences

25 bis Boulevard Guy Mollet

44 322 Nantes

France

Phone: +33/0251/83 72 49

Fax: +33/0251/83 72 10

Email: arnaud.guevel@univ-nantes.fr