Unique case: The Ringelmann effect on a rowboat elite

Abstract

Objective

Try to know if the crew of the Spanish boat Coxless four selected for the pre-Olympic 2016 Rio de Janeiro shows the Ringelmann effect, which is that as the number of components of a group, the individual contribution decreases.

Method

The sample is composed of four rowers crew of that boat with an experience of 13, 16, 10 and 13 years, respectively, and an average age of 24.25 years ([DT] = 0.5).

Results

In all cases a systematic increase occurs in the equipment condition regarding individual, with an average of meters traveled in this of 1029.25 meters, while the group was 1036.75. The number of watts generated was also higher in the collective execution (535.25w. versus 524.25w.). However, the average of strokes in the individual condition was lower (35.5) to the group (37.25). As for the perception of effort (Borg scale), the rowers individually scored lower (7.75) than in group (8.75).

Conclusions

Our data seem to suggest that the competitive level, strong conviction like a team and highly motivated can not only alleviate also remove the Ringelmann effect on a boat Coxless four. Although the effort perception is greater in a team than individual.