Comparison of isokinetic knee torque and bioelectrical activity for hamstrings, quadriceps and erector spinae muscles in elite rowers

Association of cartilage metabolism biomarkers and 25(OH)D levels with muscle biomechanical functions in professional rowers and canoeists

The purpose of the study was to assess the association of cartilage metabolism biomarkers and vitamin D metabolite levels with muscle biomechanical functions in professional rowers and canoeists. The serum levels of aggrecan, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were determined in elite male sweep-oar rowers (n = 24) and canoeists (n = 15). This was followed by a biomechanical study consisting in isometric measurement of peak torque (PT) of muscles involved in the rowing cycle in the athletes. There were found significant correlations of COMP with the ratio of trunk PT flexor to extensor (p < 0.05) and 25(OH)D with trunk PT-left rotators (p < 0.05), knee joints PT-left and right flexor (p ≤ 0.01), ratio of knee joint PT-right flexor to knee joint PT-right extensor (p < 0.05) in rowers and aggreccan with elbow joint PT of the right flexor (p ≤ 0.01) and extensor (p = 0.05) in canoeists. The correlations of COMP and aggrecan levels with PT of the muscle groups studied in rowers and canoeists indicate the importance of stabilizing the muscular system in cartilage metabolism. The relationship between 25(OH)D status and biomechanical parameters confirm that vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining skeletal muscle health.

Acute effects of muscle mechanical properties after 2000-m rowing in young male rowers

Background

The mechanical properties of muscles, such as changes in muscle tone and stiffness, are related to sports performance and injuries. Rowers are at increased risk of muscle fatigue and injury during high-repetition and heavy-load cyclic muscle actions. In view of this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the acute effect on muscle tone and stiffness, as well as bilateral muscle asymmetry, in high school rowers after a 2000-meter rowing ergometer test.

Methods

Twelve young male rowers (age = 17.1 ± 0.9 years, body weight = 73.5 ± 9.7 kg) were included in the study. The data of muscle tone (frequency) and stiffness of the posterior deltoids (PD), latissimus dorsi (LD), and rectus femoris (RF) (dominant and non-dominant side) before and after a 2000-m rowing ergometer test were collected using a handheld MyotonPRO device.

Results

After the rowing ergometer test, the muscle tone of dominant side PD, LD, and RF were significantly increased (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the muscle stiffness of the non-dominant side LD and RF, as well as the dominant side PD, LD, and RF were significantly increased after the rowing ergometer test (p < 0.05). The muscle tone and stiffness results showed that the dominant side PD, LD, and RF were all significantly higher than the non-dominant side after the rowing ergometer test (p < 0.05), where bilateral PD and RF exhibits moderate asymmetry (5% < symmetry index < 10%).

Conclusions

After a high-intensity and high-load 2000-m rowing ergometer test, PD, LD, and RF showed increases in muscle tone and stiffness, as well as changes in the symmetry of bilateral muscle mechanical properties.

The use of thermal imaging for monitoring the training progress of professional male sweep rowers

This study assesses the thermal profile of the skin in highly trained rowers and investigates the relationship between resting skin temperature (Ts) and the muscle peak torque (PT) measured in statics at the beginning (autumn) and the end (spring) of the preparatory period. Ten professional male sweep rowers, members of the Polish national rowing team, were investigated. A thermal imaging camera was used to analyze the Ts. The PT of the muscles involved in the rowing cycle were measured isometrically. No significant temperature asymmetries were found, except in front of arms after exercise in the spring (p = 0.0228). In contrast, the PT test in the autumn confirmed the significant asymmetry of the knee joint extensors (p = 0.0192). In spring compared to autumn, Ts in many areas of the body were slightly higher, as was PT of underlying muscles. Significant correlations between resting Ts and PT of the underlying muscles were found. Thermal imaging makes it possible to observe changes in skin temperature and symmetry before and after exercise. At this stage, it does not appear to be a method that, without supporting of other methods such as those assessing muscle function, will allow monitoring of training progress.