Motion analysis of optimal rowing form by using biomechanical model

Rowing motion analysis was carried out by using kinematic measurement and a three dimensional biomechanical model. We developed a measurement device for the rowing external force, which is interfaced with a Concept II rowing ergometer. This device acquired the chain force and the stretcher reaction force. We simultaneously obtained kinematic data from three dimensional landmark measurement and electromyograms (EMG). We also developed a three dimensional biomechanical model, which was used to calculate muscle force, consumption energy and rowing energy from these data. Rowing energy and rowing efficiency, and the ratio between the rowing energy and the consumption energy, were calculated for three different rowing styles. From these results, we estimated the optimal rowing motion.