On the Kinematics of the Forward-Facing Venetian-Style Rowing Technique

Abstract

This work presents a qualitative and quantitative pilot study which explores the kinematics of Venetian style forward-facing standing rowing as practised by able-bodied competitive athletes. The technique, made famous by the gondoliers, was replicated in a biomechanics laboratory by a cohort of four experienced rowers who compete in this style at National Level events in Malta. Athletes were marked with reflective markers following the modified Helen Hayes model and asked to row in a manner which mimics their on-water practise and recorded using a Vicon optoelectronic motion capture system. Data collected were compared to its equivalent using a standard sliding-seat ergometer as well as data collated from observations of athletes rowing on water, thus permitting the documentation of the manner of how this technique is performed. It was shown that this rowing style is characterised by rather asymmetric and complex kinematics, particularly upper-body movements which provides the athlete with a total-body workout involving all major muscle groups working either isometrically, to provide stability, or actively.

The Kinematics of Fixed-Seat Rowing: A Structured Synthesis

“…Data collection was primarily carried out in a biomechanics laboratory setting, with data being recorded using calibrated motion-capture and analysis equipment driven via specialised software, which allowed for the information to be analysed qualitatively and quantitatively [28]. This was supplemented by on-water video analysis of pre-regatta rowing training, post-analysed manually primarily for qualitative or semi-quantitative purposes.…”

“…Note that, throughout this manuscript, the standard rowing terms "drive", "recovery", "catch", and "finish" shall be used [1]. When referring to on-water rowing, as graphically illustrated elsewhere [28], the following applies:…”

“…In fixed-seat rowing, athletes typically row the more traditional, wider and heavier, boats, generally suitable for coastal rowing, such as the Cornish Pilot Gig, Italian galeoni, or the Maltese Dghajsa tal-Pass. The latter, a 400 lbs racing version of the traditional passenger boat, is the principal boat that has been used in the historical Maltese National Regatta for centuries and is rowed by a combination of seated and Venetian-style standing rowers [28] who row facing each other on the same boat, see Figure 1a, which can be rowed with two rowers as shown in Figure 1a, or four rowers; that is, two sitting, two standing. The technique of fixed seat-rowing adopted in competitions may vary slightly depending on the actual shape of the boat and the tradition followed.…”

Cutting-Edge Research in Sports Biomechanics: From Basic Science to Applied Technology

“…Wearable sensors, motion capture systems, force plates, 3D printing, and virtual reality are just a few examples of applied technologies used in sports biomechanics. These tools provide precise measurements and data that are used to analyze and optimize human movement [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Furthermore, they enable the development of custom-fit equipment, training programs, and injury prevention strategies that are tailored to athletes' individual needs.…”

“…The authors cover a wide variety of important, innovative, and timely topics in the field. The themes include sports technology analysis [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ], the mechanics of human motion [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ], bionic applications and equipment design [ 16 ], and the mechanisms of sports injuries [ 12 , 13 ]. In this editorial, we will discuss the current state of sports biomechanics and the direction it is headed.…”