FORMULATING PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR RE-DESIGN OF ROWING SIMULATOR

Aim of this study was to re-design the rowing simulator developed earlier. The simulator suffered from major drawbacks in terms of correlating the output variables (forces) with body discomforts towards enhanced performance. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to identify the major discomforts of Young Indian Rower, to associate them with the forces exerted by rowers through predictive models and modify the rowing simulator. The study was carried out on one hundred and eight young Indian rowers who participated in both State and National Level Rowing Championship. A self-reported questionnaire was administered. Data analysis was carried out through factor analysis followed by ordinal regression to formulate predictive models. Based on the results, suitable modification on the pre- rowing simulator model was carried out. An experiment was performed to validate the rowing simulator. The results showed that overall experience of the rowing simulator was similar compared to on water rowing.