Résumé
Seven high level rowers (age 23.85±2.8yrs, height 184±7cm and weight 81.3±9.34kg) performed a test 130m long at maximal speed with a high stroke-rate (37b.p.m.) on a single scull rowing boat. The rowers were filmed with two perpendicular video camcorders. The film was digitised frame by frame using Schleihauf's Kinematic Analysis software. The x, y, z co-ordinates of the right blade and the coaming of the boat were obtained for an aquatic stroke (from the blade entry to the blade exit). The curvilinear boat displacement was characterised by a polynomial function with great amplitude (4.74m±0.72). The beginning of the stroke was characterised by a relative stability of the blade on the 3 axes followed by sinusoidal paths on the transversal and vertical axes. This stabilised portion reflected the time necessary to create a support by the blade and to overcome the inertia of the system. The 3D movements suggested that the propulsion resulted from lift and drag forces. The amplitude of the boat displacement was related to the level of performance and was greater during the beginning of the aquatic stroke for the best-studied rowers.