My latest article for Junior Rowing News relates to this thread and directly addresses the issue of ribstress injuries in junior rowers.
"The Ergometer Fallacy" - https://juniorrowingnews.com/the-ergometer-fallacy/ My conclusions have garnished many responses as there is a growing body of anacdotal evidence supporting my findings but surprisingly very little scientific research. Even based on the little evidence available, we should clearly be restricting the use of ergometers and invest in sculling simulators (like Biorowers) and dynamic machines - especially for developing junior rowers.
Subsequently, I have been directed to two studies;
From Alastair Isherwood of Perfect Balance Rowing, Australia ...
Ian, post Beijing Australia moved to all C2 ergo testing on sliders. I was Head Coach at Mercantile at the time. The reduction in injuries when we got off the static machines was unbelievable - the injuries literally disappeared. We had a squad of 60+ elite or aspiring elite rowers with no injuries in 2011 and we were the number one club in Australia at nationals. - See study here - http://www.rowingact.org.au/resources/fixed_vs_dynamic_ergos.pdf
From Tim McLaren of UTS, Sydney Australia ...
Ian, injuries is another contentious topic - some without a lot of burden of proof.
You might read Dr Richard SmithrCys work from Sydney Uni on a comparative study between Rowperfect C2 and C2 sliders of which we were the testing group.
"Given the large amount of time spent training and exercising on rowing ergometers, is important to quantify and consider the increased stresses applied to the rower as a result of rowing the fixed stretcher ergometer." - see study here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XUMkV65zSkZ-wA5xABZa1hPegRcRAeix/view?usp=sharing
The effect of ergometer design on rowing stroke mechanics.
Greene, A. J ; Sinclair, P. J ; Dickson, M. H ; Colloud, F ; Smith, R. M
Scand J Med Sci Sports 2013: 23: 468rCo477
I would greatly value any further studies that have been undertaken on this topic.
Regards,
Ian
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* Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)