Rowing in considered to be a sport of relatively low impact. However, complaints of back and knee pain are not uncommon. Cases involving back pain from rowing has increased over the last 20 years. Suggested causes of the increase in back pain are from changes in rowing equipment which may have increased the rowing resistance and from an increased use of the ergometer.

This study is designed to analyze how changes in the resistance on an ergometer may affect the technique of the rower. These changes in technique might exhibit movements that could help to cause back pain. Understanding how resistances effect technique and how technique can affect back pain could help coaches and rowers find a more optimum resistance when using the ergometer so as to prevent the occurrence back pain.

Scott A. Gibson
Graduate Student
Humboldt State University