Effect of Stroke Rate Increment on Power Output and Foot Asymmetries Force Among Malaysian University Rower

Generating effective power output during the drive phase in rowing sport is very important, whereby producing more speed to manoeuvre the boat. Asymmetrical force production on foot stretcher may affect the performance of rowers. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the correlation between asymmetrical foot force and power output during increment of stroke rate. Eight male Malaysian university rowers (Age 21.4 ± 1.8 years; Height 175.9 ± 4.9 cm; Mass 76.4 ± 6.5 kg; Training experience 3.1 ± 0.8 years) performed a 60s increment trial at six different stroke rates on a Concept2 rowing ergometer. The ergometer was installed with load sensors at the handle and both foot stretchers to measure the pulling force and resultant foot force respectively. Asymmetries of foot force were calculated using symmetry index formula. Results showed that the peak power output increased up to 23.9% from lower to higher stroke rates. At low stroke rates (18 spm), the symmetrical index for peak force was 5.2 ± 8.8% and the average resultant force was 7.1 ± 1.3%. Meanwhile at higher stroke rates (pace race), the symmetrical index for peak force was 1.7 ± 44.5% and the average resultant force was 1.2 ± 2.9%. The power output increased with increment of stroke rate, however, less significant showing to the symmetry index on Malaysian university rower.