Musculoskeletal injuries in fixed-seat rowing

Objectives. - Rowing, when practiced as a sport, is currently typically conducted on sliding-seat boats which permit efficient lower limb use. Nevertheless, traditional fixed-seat rowing, with its own particular technique, is experiencing a revival and competitions utilizing this technique are held on a regular basis around the world. This paper investigated injuries sustained by competitive fixed-seat rowers when compared to rowers using the more widely studied sliding-seat technique. Method. - Two cohorts of male rowers, who train and compete on fixed-seat and sliding seat boats at national levels were asked to fill in a questionnaire looking into musculoskeletal injuries sustained as a result of their particular rowing style. Portuguese sliding-seat rowers rowed standard World Rowing (FISA) approved boats whilst fixed-seat rowers from Malta used traditional wooden boats and oars. Injury probabilities between the two cohorts were compared. Results. - Statistically significant diminution, P = 0.022, of knee injuries in the fixed-seat group was observed when compared to standard sliding-seat rowing, something which may be explained from the biomechanics of the stroke. Also, pelvic, other lower limb, neck and rib injuries were absent in the fixed-seat cohort. The incidence of back, shoulder, forearm and wrist injuries was comparable in both groups despite the increased reliance on the upper body, in the fixed-seat stroke. This means that contrary to common perception, fixed-seat rowing is a safe sport to practice. Furthermore, with its reduced risk of lower limb injuries, this technique could potentially form part of rehabilitation programs for rowers with such injuries. (c) 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.