Load During Sweep Rowing and the Influence on the Posture

The aim is to assess the influence of asymmetric training on the locomotor system in sweep rowers. To analyse possible changes objectively, the axial position of the hull will be assessed using Moiré topography, and the symmetry of foot loading will be monitored with a pedobarograph. Furthermore, the Visual Analog scale and Cluster of Laslett will determine whether an asymmetric load can provoke pain in the lumbar region or cause a blockage in the SI joint. In the experimental study, there will be three different groups of participants. Selected sweep rowers will make the first study group. The second group will consist of scull rowers, and the last control group will consist of people with no experience with rowing. The selected participants will undergo the first measurement at the turn of the spring and summer seasons when intensive preparation for rowing competitions begins, in which sweep rowers train mainly on water and asymmetrically. The measurement results in the three groups will be further compared with each other to evaluate whether statistically significant differences can be found.

Inclusion Criteria for rowers:Training and racing exclusively in the unpaired disciplines of competitive rowing in the Czech Republic for a group of unpaired rowersTraining and racing exclusively in the pairs disciplines of competitive rowing in the Czech Republic for the group of pairs rowersDedication to rowing for more than three yearsFrequency of training at least three times a week or moreInclusion Criteria for non-rowers:-Engaging in sports recreationally without higher intensity training (less than three times a week) or at all.Exclusion Criteria for rowers:The presence of lumbar spine pain at a time when the athlete was not yet exercisingPresence of musculoskeletal pain caused by a condition for which the athlete is actively being treated (Morbus Bechterev, spondylodiscitis, etc.)Presence of a previously diagnosed internal, orthopaedic or neurological diseaseLateral spinal misalignment caused by a previously diagnosed disease (congenital scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis, Morbus Scheuermann, etc.)Exclusion Criteria for non-rowers:Active participation in sports associated with an asymmetric load, such as tennis, floorball, hockey and others (training once a week or more)Presence of pain caused by a disease for which the person is actively treated (Morbus Bechterev, spondylodiscitis, etc.)Presence of a previously diagnosed internal, orthopaedic or neurological diseaseLateral spinal misalignment caused by a previously diagnosed disease (congenital scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis, Morbus Scheuermann, etc.)