Reliability of electromyography during 2000 m rowing ergometry

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to investigate the reliability of surface electromyography (EMG) assessed at seven muscles during three repeated 2000 m rowing ergometer sessions. Methods Twelve male well-trained rowers participated in a measures design, performing sessions interspersed by 3–7 days (S1, S2, S3). Surface electrodes were attached gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, erector spinae, vastus medialis, rectus abdominis and latissimus dorsi for EMG analysis. Results No differences existed between amplitude any ( p = 0.146–0.979). Mean coefficient variation 6 7 was ‘acceptable’ (12.3–18.6%), although classed as ‘weak’ gastrocnemius (28.6%). intra-class correlation values across ranged from ‘moderate’ ‘very large’ (0.31–0.89). Within-session activation rates medialis greater 0–500 1500–2000 segments, compared with 500–1000 1000–1500 < 0.05). Values femoris maximus significantly higher The general pattern m. However, there no between-sessions 500 segments > Conclusion Reliability over generally ‘acceptable’. seemingly not sensitive enough detect potential changes neural between-sessions, respect pacing strategy.