Reflexometer and training kayak rowing with its use.

In this review we will look at one interesting device that is actively used in rowing - a reflexometer. In fact, this is a simulator for developing the starting reaction of kayak or canoe rowers.

The simulator serves as a means of training and monitoring the development of the athlete’s motor response to the starting command.

The reflectometer (Fig. a) consists of a starting device 1 with a time clamp scale from 0 to 5 s, a rotating bracket for attaching the starting device, a support unit, a movable earring and a connecting cable 2 with clamps for fastening to the boat.

The starting device is a mechanism that charges a spring (connected to a cable) synchronously with a timer. After pulling out the timing pin 3, the stopper holding the spring is activated (a force of up to 200 kg is developed). The boat jerks forward in the direction of movement.

To obtain temporal and spatial characteristics (Fig. b), the reflexometer uses a video camera 1 with a retractable reference point 2, combined with a reference point on the boat 3. The video recording device is installed on a tripod for profile shooting with a retractable reference point located at a distance of 50 cm from the film plane.

How is training kayaking carried out using this device? The method of working with the simulator is as follows: After connecting the boat with the starting device using a cable and installing a video camera for profile shooting, the spring of the starting device is charged. The time lock sets the exposure period from 0 to 5 seconds with a division value of 0.33 s. The command “Start!” is given, after which the athlete in the boat rows back, pulling the cable (there should be no slack in the cable). At this command, the operator with the video camera combines the retractable landmark with the landmark on the kayak (10-centimeter white vertical stripe in the above-water part, 1 cm wide), after which he gives a sign of his readiness and turns on the camera.

The training rowing video was recorded at a speed of 32 frames per second, which corresponds to a shutter speed of 0.015 s. Thus, the athlete's starting reaction was measured within 0.08 s and above.

During the frame-by-frame projection of the video, in each measurement, the number of frames was counted from the beginning of the boat’s movement (the displacement of the landmark on the boat relative to the retractable landmark of the movie camera) to the moment the oar blade captured the water and began to move along the boat’s progress.

In conclusion of this article, let us remind you that many sports disciplines are very traumatic. You can train all your life, devote a lot of time to your favorite discipline, become a master in your field... But even this will not save you from injury. Therefore, pay attention to such an important point as insurance for sports fans and professional athletes.

Train correctly! See you at the gym!