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Rowing can be classified as one of the most demanding sports. Although there is a general agreement in the physiological, psychological factors and techniques that contribute to performance rowers; how they do it has rarely been quantified. The performance of athletes in the boat, on the water, during the race - does not lead to a good standardization and quantification, and tests on the water are out of order, being rarely alike (wind, currents, temperature, etc.) that's why ergometer rowing machines have become the standard testing tools, training, and research of rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rowing meets the criteria for weight loss as defined by the American College of Sport Medicine. Little research exists on the influence of body shape on movement kinematics. Even if rowing is a non weight bearing exercise, the body shape may have an influence on rowing motion and joint reactions. This study investigated rowing movement kinematics between normal weight and overweight subjects. Differences were found for hip abduction and adduction angles. This knowledge can help to understand the influence of body weight and body shape on movement kinematics and can help to avoid overloading the joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]