Effects of One Stage of Exhaustive Global Fatigue on Coordination and Variability of the Joints of the Trunk in Elite Rowers

The coordination between joints and muscles cause suitable production and distribution of force on the lumbar spine and joints. Fatigue induced by rowing, which is also associated with changes in paddling mechanics, can cause changes in coordination and variability patterns of segments due to its cyclic and periodic nature. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of one stage of exhaustive global fatigue on coordination and coordination variability of the joints of the trunk in elite rowers

A total of 14 male rowers of the national team participated in current quasi-experimental study. Participants were tested during a rowing exercise on a Concept 2 ergometer performed until task failure. The variables of the coordination and variability between the joints were recorded using the inertial measurement unit device and the kinematic data of motion were calculated in sagittal, frontal, and horizontal planes. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to ensure the normal distribution of data. Paired t-test was run to compare variables at p≤0.05 level.

The results showed a significant difference in the effects of one stage of exhaustive global fatigue on coordination variability of the joints (hip- lumbar) in sagittal planes (P=0.009 of effect size 0.93). There were no significant differences in the effects of one stage of exhaustive global fatigue on coordination variability of the joints (thoracic-lumbar and hip- lumbar) in the sagittal, frontal, and horizontal plates (p≤0.05). Moreover, no significant differences were observed for coordination variability of the thoracic-lumbar joints in the sagittal, frontal, and horizontal plates and hip-lumbar joints in the frontal and horizontal plates (p≤0.05).

Overall, it seems that increased trunk joint variability observed in the present study can have negative effects on the performance of professional rowers and increases the risk of various injuries, such as low back pain.