Method and apparatus for measuring rowing skill

A computer-implemented method of providing real-time performance feedback on a rowing machine, the rowing machine comprising a load unit coupled to a support track, a seat coupled to the support track for supporting a rower, a handle coupled to the load unit arranged to move relative to the load unit by a pulling action on the handle, and a foot stretcher coupled to the support track arranged to receive a pushing action thereon, the method comprising:

• measuring a first parameter indicative of the pulling action on the handle;
• measuring a second parameter indicative of a velocity of movement of an element of the rowing machine caused by the pushing action received by the foot stretcher;
• and
• determining in real time a relationship between the pulling action on the handle and the pushing action received by the foot stretcher based on the first parameter and the second parameter.

A rowing machine comprising a load unit (1) coupled to a support track (6), a seat (5) coupled to the support track for supporting a rower, a handle (3) coupled to the load unit arranged to move relative to the load unit by a pulling action on the handle, a foot stretcher (4) coupled to the support track arranged to receive a pushing action thereon, and a system for providing real-time performance feedback on a rowing machine, the rowing machine comprising a load unit (1) coupled to a support track (6), a seat (5) coupled to the support track for supporting a rower, a handle (3) coupled to the load unit arranged to move relative to the load unit by a pulling action on the handle, and a foot stretcher (4) coupled to the support track arranged to receive a pushing action thereon, the system comprising:

• a first sensor configured to measure a first parameter indicative of the pulling action on the handle;
• a second sensor (12;
• 17;
• 21) configured to measure a second parameter indicative of a velocity of movement of an element of the rowing machine caused by the pushing action received by the foot stretcher;
• and
• a data processing unit, DPU, configured to determine a relationship between the pulling action on the handle and the pushing action received by the foot stretcher based on the first parameter and the second parameter.