Interactive Sonification in Rowing: Acoustic Feedback for On-Water Training

Abstract

Feedback systems used in elite sport mainly provide visual information. Another approach displays information audibly via sonification to create coherency between action and reaction. This article describes the use of sonification as acoustic feedback (AF) in on-water rowing training with elite athletes. On the theoretical basis of an ecological dynamics approach, the audio-motor relationship was elucidated for understanding expertise and skill acquisition in sport. Results gained from athlete surveys between 2009 and 2013 were presented to determine if AF reflects specific sections within the rowing-motion comprehensible for the athletes and if the information is provided in a way that is useful for technique training. The final aim was to provide criteria and recommendations for the development of sonification-based applications within a moving context for sports and rehabilitation.