rowergo brace

[mishab]

Has anyone tried rowergo brace? Kind of expensive device, but I will consider getting it as long as it helps.
Any known alternatives or DIY solutions?

http://rowergo.com/injuryprevention.html

[jackarabit]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91B5f5qEW6M

Maybe this preventer also helps one achieve the overcompressed catch position evidenced in the product video above? I'm skeptical that those who are so blithely unaware of one very common dynamic flaw in the erging stroke that they allow its inclusion in their product demo have the credentials or attention span to correct bad posture (on or off erg) with a clamp on widget.

Note: Mocking up this appliance should be easy with a simple plywood T-stand each side of the rail joined by a plywd crossbar clamped to the bottom flange of the seat rail. I have a rear Shoxbox and an Endurerow seat so I'm not completely immune to the lure of comfortable and painfree erging. At the price, I'd monkey about with the idea and await some positive testimonials which I guess this is not. Jack

[c2jonw]

Agree with the video critique- clearly over compressing at the catch. Some years ago Harvard coach Harry Parker outfitted a number of Model As with a similar device that clamped across the monorail and was designed to keep oarsmen from hyperextending their legs at the finish (slamming the knees down) and from over compressing at the catch- no mention of helping with posture or back problems......C2JonW

[lindsayh]

Has anyone tried rowergo brace? Kind of expensive device, but I will consider getting it as long as it helps.
Any known alternatives or DIY solutions?
http://rowergo.com/injuryprevention.html

When it first appeared in 2010 or so it was featured on an inventors show in Australia and I was impressed with the logic so bought one (it was a bit cheaper then). I wasn't suffering from any back problems at the time but saw it as a preventative. The inventors were a OTW rower and a physio. It is a well made piece of kit.
The theory was (as I understand it) that by preventing complete locking out of the knees there was less chance of a pelvic tilt "forward' caused by the limited lengthening of the hamstrings and this protected the lower back from abnormal pressures. I agree that the video on the site is not perfect technique by any means.
I have it fitted on my home erg and have left it there but I do most erging without it at the gym. I think it has helped maintain good technique (1.5million+m per year) and I certainly don't have any back problems but who knows?