Introduction: In this study, we evaluated the kinematics of lower limb during early and late phases of 2km time trial on stationary rowing ergometer among Malaysian male rowers. Methods: Seventeen national-level rowers voluntarily participated. Three dimensional lower limb kinematics data were collected to represent the first 400 m (i.e., early) and the last 400m (i.e., late) phases of 2km time trial on a stationary ergometer. The kinematics data at sagittal, frontal and transverse planes of dominant leg during catch and finish positions were compared across early and late phases of the time trial using paired T-test. Results: The kinematics of lower limb joints at three planes were not significantly different during early versus late phases of 2km time trial among male senior rowers except for hip flexion at finish (p=0.411), ankle rotation at catch (p=0.779) and ankle abduction at finish (p=0.677). Conclusion: Lower limb kinematics particularly the hip flexion, ankle rotation and ankle abduction may change across early and late phases of 2km time trial due to fatigue. Coaches and rowers should monitor these motions during fatiguing rowing piece and develop necessary injury prevention measures.

Background: Strength of leg musculature is crucial to generate propulsive force during rowing. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of isokinetic dominant leg strength and 2 km time trial on stationary rowing ergometer among male national rowers. Methods: Seventeen male national rowers were recruited for the study. Their hip and knee isokinetic strength were determined in the sagittal plane at 60°/s angular velocity. The relationship between the hip and knee strength, and 2 km time trial performance were evaluated using Pearson correlation. Results: The national rowers completed the 2 km time trial duration in 7.20±0.39 minutes. The hamstring to quadriceps ratio (H:Q) was significantly correlated to 2 km time trial performance (r=-0.491, p=0.045). No other significant relationships between hip and knee isokinetic strength and 2 km time trial performance were observed. Conclusion Increased isokinetic knee strength ratio (H:Q) may enhance 2 km time trial performance among male national rowers. Other isokinetic variables of hip and knee isokinetic strength were not significantly related to 2 km time trial.
Hip ; Knee ; Muscle Strength ; Athletic Performance