Characterizing the effects of an ergonomic handle on upper limbs kinematics and neuromuscular activity, comfort, and performance during ergometer rowing.

Articular stress and discomfort during repetitive movements may impact the risk of injuries of the upper limbs during ergometer rowing, especially when using a regular circular handle. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to propose and evaluate the influence of an ergonomic handle on upper limbs biomechanics, comfort and performance during ergometer rowing. An ergonomic irregular hexagon handle, with a 1:1.25 width/length diameters ratio, has been developed. Left upper limb kinematics and neuromuscular activity, perceived comfort and power production were monitored for 29 expert rowers. The ergonomic handle increased the perceived comfort while maintaining the overall articular stress and performance as the same level compared to the regular handle. We recommend using irregular hexagon handles with 1:1.25 ratio for ergometer rowing. Further improvements of the ergonomic handle such as an individualization based on the user's hand length may further enhance comfort and achieve better performance.

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Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:The studied ergonomic handle has been patented (Publication date: 2022-08-25, reference WO2022175237A1, Type: international patent) and G. Gauchard belongs to the patent owners. Neither G. Gauchard nor the other authors have any financial conflicts, as they do not participate to the commercialization of the ergonomic handle.