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rowing class

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BLIND, DEAF, & DEAFBLIND

BLIND ADAPTATIONS

  • Make sure the client knows where the edge of the dock is when walking down to the boat.

  • They may prefer for the instructor to guide them to the boat.

  • If the client would like to, allow them to feel the boat and oars.

  • This is to allow them to get an understanding of the length of the oars, and the size of the boat.

  • If there is a trainer, allow the client to practice rowing on that, so they can get a feel of the rowing motion before entering the water.

  • When in the water, have the instructor in a small boat or kayak in front of and to the side of the rower. Give verbal feedback as to which way to turn, what is around the rower, and instructions on whether the rower needs to speed up, or slow down.

  • If the client asks for help getting into, or out of the boat, provide the help that is necessary. However, if they don’t ask, allow them to independently enter and exit the boat. It is a skill does not necessarily require sight.

  • If rowing as a team, use a cowbell to alert the members of the team as when to pull back on the oars, so that everyone is rowing together.

INTELLECTUAL & NEUROLOGICAL

ADAPTATIONS

Parkinson’s Disease - Cerebral Palsy

  • Grip Aids

    • For individuals who have difficulty maintaining their hold on the handle, gripping aids are an effective modification. There are a variety of aids on the market, both expensive and cost effective. They can easily be adjusted to fit the user’s hand and wrist size, and used for multiple clients. The brand Active Hands has a selection of models to best fit the individual's needs.

    • https://www.activehands.com/shop/

Parkinson’s Disease - Cerebral Palsy - Epilepsy

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

 

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

 

ADAPTATIONS

Rowing, whether indoors using an erg out outdoors on the water, is a great aerobic exercise that takes stress off the legs. With an aerobic exercise like running, there is constant pressure on the legs. Rowing takes this pressure off allowing for a more comfortable yet challenging exercise. Here are some considerations for rowing when working with an individual with multiple sclerosis:

  • When using an erg indoors, the resistance of the machine can be easily adjusted to appropriately meet the ability level of the individual.

  • Rowing is a seated activity, this is a positive for the individual with multiple sclerosis! Balance can often be an a point of challenge when exercise with MS, being seated eliminates this. If the small seat is not enough, a chair with a back can be attached to the seat to add even more stability.

  • Be sure to strap in the individual’s feet. An individual with MS may have a loss of feeling in their feet or legs. They may feel as though they have lost the ability to detect where their feet are on a surface. Be sure to strap their feet in well so that a loss of feeling does not result in their feet falling out.

  • Heat is a serious trigger for MS symptoms. If working indoors on an erg, have a fan nearby to cool the individual if they begin to overheat. Taking frequent breaks as needed is also crucial. If working outside on the water, avoid peak heat during the middle of the day. Be sure to wear cool and breathable clothing and drink plenty of water.

  • If gripping the oar or handle of the erg is difficult, try using a grip. There are several kinds of grips offered. Gloves, hand grips, and/or these adaptive specific grips are all great choices for eliminating any issues with grip.

  • Most importantly, go at a pace appropriate for the individual. This should be the rule for anyone during exercise. Warmup up the muscles and stretch beforehand to prepare the body for the work out.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

 

ADAPTATIONS

Rowing is a sport that can be done on the water with a boat and oars or in the gym on an Erg machine. For maximum functionality of the rowing stroke, equipment, coaching and program structure can be adapted. Since rowing is done in a seated position and there are many adaptations available, rowing can be a great choice for individuals with muscular dystrophy. More than 60 USRowing member organizations offer adaptive rowing offering events for masters and club to people with varying disabilities.

The following are suggested adaptations for rowing with muscular dystrophy:

  • For an indoor rowing machine (Erg), resistance can be adjusted. Breaks and lower resistance are suggested for individuals with muscular dystrophy. They should be able to talk during aerobic exercise.

  • For boats on the water, sandbags can be used to help provide better balance for the individual rowing.

  • As with other outdoor activities, weather can play a big role. Hydration and adequate clothing (sun protection or warmth) are vital. Extreme temperatures should be avoided.

  • For stability, special fixed chairs can be clipped onto the sliding track. A Concept2 Tractor seat comes with the machine and offers a more stable, wider base.

  • Special grips and alternative handles can be ordered to provide for easier gripping.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

 

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

 

ADAPTATIONS

Upper Body Amputations:

  • A simple hole bored through the end of a canoe paddle and padding the handle shaft with rubber inner tubing will improve prosthetic control.

  • Rubber rings can be added to kayak paddles or boat oars to reduce prehensor slippage and improve control while paddling or rowing.

  • If a decreased sitting balance is present:

    • Fixed seat

    • Chest strap

    • Knee strap over thighs as close to the knee as possible

  • Shorter oars may assist in limited trunk rotation

 

Lower Body Amputations:

  • For loading into the boat, think about starting off with a “wherry” boat (a rowboat with a wide hull) which provides for stability in the water but is not designed for speed. After gaining some experience with the wherry, a narrower, more streamlined model can be used. This will help the adjustment to balancing in the water.

  • When sweep-rowing with one oar as part of a team, a rower not wearing a prosthesis should sit with the sound limb on the opposite side of the rigger and oar. This position will provide for better balance and a more powerful stroke.

  • If there is difficulty with the use of the sliding seat, here are some options to assist:

    • Removal of the back seat

    • Fixed seat

    • Knee strap (required over thigh as close to the knee as possible)

    • Lap/hip strap

  • Use weights or a sandbag to augment the missing limb to balance the boat

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