BACK MUSCLE FATIGUE MIGHT LEAD TO ALTERNATED SPINE LOADING IN RECREATIONAL ERGOMETER ROWING

The purpose of this study was to investigate fatigue related changes in spinal kinematics and muscle activity of back muscles during a 2000 m all-out performance on a rowing ergometer. Kinematic data of the trunk and EMG data of eight back muscles were recorded for ten subjects. A novel approach analyzing the spinal curvature was utilized identifying a significant increase (p \u3c 0.05) for the thoracic spine. For the M. trapezius a significantly decreased mean frequency (p \u3c 0.05) was found. The lumbar spine and the M. erector spinae showed no significant changes (p \u3e 0.05). These results contrast with findings for elite rowers which might be explained by a different rowing technique. Increased spinal curvature is a factor for injury risk. Thus, rowing programs should include monitoring of spinal curvature and strengthening of the stabilizing muscles