Features of pressure asymmetry manifestation on the seat of kayakers on a rowing ergometer

The sport of kayaking is distinguished by asymmetric movements, which necessitate precise coordination between the upper and lower body. The transfer of force from the athlete's body to the boat is achieved through two points of contact: the seat and the footrest. The present study investigates the manifestation of biomechanical asymmetry on kayakers' seats during rowing ergometer exercises. A total of nine kayakers with varying levels of experience participated in the study, utilising a rowing ergometer equipped with a fixed carriage and a Materialize podoplatform. The data were analysed using the Balance Scientific® software. The instrumental approach permitted a novel examination of the characteristics of pressure distribution on the rowing seat. The study recorded and analysed a number of variables, including the peak force exerted on each buttock, the time taken to reach this peak force, the trajectory length of the overall centre of pressure, the centre of pressure of each buttock, the areas created by these trajectories, the angular displacement of the centre of pressure, and the topography of the pressure distribution on the seat. The results demonstrated asymmetry in all participants, irrespective of their level of expertise. When dynamic indicators did not indicate asymmetry, it was evident in kinematic aspects such as the length of the centre of pressure trajectory, the area it encompassed and the angle of pelvic rotation. Athletes with extensive experience who exhibited asymmetric peak force distribution under the right and left buttocks showed no significant difference in force gradient.