Volume 2, Issue 8 (August, 2021)
“Pink Noise” and Movement Variability in Rowing: Will Ruth
Rowing for Health: Blake Gourley
Isometrics in Warm-Up Improve 1,000-Meter Ergometer Performance: Joe DeLeo
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Pink noise in rowing ergometer performance and the role of skill level. Den Hartigh, R., Cox, R., Gernigon, C., Van Yperen, N., & Van Geert, P. (2015). Motor Control, 19.
Nine competitive male rowers completed 550 strokes on static ergs to assess variability in peak force profile. The four higher skilled rowers exhibited a pattern of coordinated variability, also known as a “pink noise” structure, while the five lower skilled rowers had more randomness in their strokes, exhibiting a more “white noise” structure. Rowers and coaches can use the concept of productive movement variability to better design technical practice to influence performance.
Rowing as an aerobic and resistance exercise for elderly people. M., Kawano, H., & Higuchi, M. (2012). The Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine, 1.
For six months, researchers explored the impact of consistent rowing exercise on older untrained males. Researchers found improvements in aerobic fitness, muscle growth, and a decrease in risk factors for disease. This review explores the potential health benefits of rowing and ideas for how to safely and effectively incorporate rowing exercise into a lifelong routine.
Free Bonus Content! Interview with Sarah Furhmann and Cassi Niemann of UCanRow2.
The effect of including a series of isometric conditioning contractions to the rowing warm-up on 1,000-m rowing ergometer time trial performance. Feros, S., Young, W., Rice, A., & Talpey, S. (2012). Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(12).
Ten elite Australian rowers performed a self-selected warm-up and a potentiated warm-up protocol consisting of a series of five-second isometric mid-drive maximal contraction on two different days before performing a 1,000-meter ergometer time trial. The rowers who performed the potentiated warm-up had faster total times and power output across the first 500-meters and significant power output differences across the entire 1,000-meter time trial distance. Rowers and coaches can use the results of this study to maximize force and power output capability to enhance short duration, high intensity performance.
About Science of Rowing
“Science of Rowing” is a monthly publication created by three dual rowing-strength coaches, Will Ruth, Blake, Gourley, and Joe DeLeo. Our goal is to move research into practice for coaches and rowers of all ages, types, and levels. We are entirely member-funded and do not promote products or sell advertisements. Members receive one issue each month containing three reviews of recent and applicable research in rowing training, strength training for rowing, and other relevant performance areas like psychology, injury analysis, technology, and more.
Each issue includes video and graphic content to help move the knowledge into practice, as well as a podcast episode of the three of us discussing the takeaways and our experiences. Membership includes access to all prior issues, so join us for one month and get access to every issue. We also offer discounted annual and team memberships, as well as gift memberships for a special rower or coach in your life.
