Acoustic feedback training in adaptive rowing

Abstract

Acoustic information contributes to the timing of human movements as sound conveys time-critical structures subliminally. That is of crucial importance for the technique training in high performance sports, where a successful movement execution depends on the precision of modifying the movement. Particularly adaptive athletes with visual impairments or blindness have a special sensitivity to acoustic information. Yet still only few sports can be practised by athletes with visual impairments. Since a concept of providing online acoustic feedback during on-water rowing training sessions was introduced and empirically investigated with elite athletes, it was assumed that adaptive athletes particularly could benefit in terms of an enhanced perception for the movement execution. This paper deals with the implementation of providing online acoustic feedback to adaptive athletes in elite rowing. The results of the data-capture as well as the athletes’ subjective experiences with the sound during rowing were described.