Adaptive Rowing Community Project

Prof. Banzaert introduced us last week to our new partnership with a community organization Community Rowing, Inc in Boston. The organization offers rowing lessons of all sorts but this year the EXTD 111 class will focus on its population of paraplegic and absent/reduced limb function rowers -- called adaptive rowing or para-rowing. Because of their inability to use particular muscles and rowing movements, the rowing equipment is adapted to their needs but there can be improvement.

Differences between para-rowing equipment and the equipment used by those with full limb function can include chair support, the pontoons used for balance, a wider hull, restrained rowers, and straps for the torso. However, even with some aide from these changes, adaptive rowers have said to feel less support and independence in their activity. The challenge given to us is how to make their rowing experience more autonomous while safe. For example, rowers have commented that the ramp leading those in wheelchairs to their boats is quite steep when the water reaches its lowest point. Also, there is need to develop a balancing/rowing mechanism with the oars for those without the use of an arm, as well as for those lacking the ability to row in large strides and reach the speed they desire.
Following those problems, I would love to work in:
  • Developing a mechanism for single-arm rowers
  • Forming a mechanism to extend a rower's stride, enhancing the speed of the boat
  • Exploring the development of a pontoon or float  for improved balance.
In order to fully grasp the current situation in any of those three, certain questions need to be answered. I have developed a sample list of questions to ask the coaches/staff/rowers below:



While thinking about the potential issues I could explore and will learn from the organization, I began researching adaptive rowing techniques and equipment, and I also began brainstorming potential improvements. 
  1. For single-arm users, I discovered a YouTube video demonstrating a mechanism that fulfills this need. This contraption (shown right) utilizes kicking motion to pull the oar of the absent side in parallel movement with the opposite/pulled oar.
  2. Another idea I had was regarding extending the stride: the oars (and the seat) are placed further up, where the handles are also spread outwards, allowing them to pulled further out and back.
  3. As for the pontoons, it may help to enlarge their surface area at the curved based in contact with the water. I noticed as boats become bigger, the pontoons not only become bigger in size but the weight seems to be distributed across a larger surface area in contact with the water. In looking at some pictures (like to the right), I noted that, while some have flat ends at one tip, others have rounded tips at both ends. I am unsure about the significance of such but it may be worth looking into.
In general, I am very enthusiastic about this project and hope all turns out well. In this small act, I am already using engineering to make a difference in my community and what's knowledge without application. It's time to reel out the ideas...

See the final choice and the development of our Pontoon Rotatry Ring at extd111project-pontoonassembly.blogspot.com.

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