**Background:** Venetian-style standing rowing (Voga Veneta), made famous by gondoliers, is a competitive sport in Italy and Malta where athletes stand facing forward and push the oar, unlike traditional seated rowing where athletes sit facing backward and pull. Despite its long tradition, the biomechanics of this technique have not been quantitatively studied. This work aims to document the kinematics of forward-facing Venetian Rowing Technique (VRT) using calibrated motion-capture equipment.
**Methods:** Four male competitive standing rowers (mean age 24.5 ± 2.6 years, height 180.0 ± 8.0 cm, weight 94.5 ± 11.0 kg, BMI 30.0 ± 3.7) who row in the Maltese National Regatta in the standing parasija position (oar on right) participated. All had at least three years of experience and were free from acute injuries. Rowing was simulated on a modified Concept2 Model D ergometer designed to replicate boat conditions. A 16-camera Vicon optoelectronic motion-capture system (100 Hz) recorded 39 reflective markers placed according to the modified Helen Hayes model. Participants rowed at self-selected power and stroke rate; three full cycles per rower (12 total) were analysed from finish to finish. Angular measurements were taken for thorax, pelvis, spine, hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, and elbow in sagittal (1), coronal (2), and transverse (3) planes. Data were compared to standard sliding-seat ergometer rowing from nine rowers (24 cycles) using Mann–Whitney U-tests. Qualitative on-water video was also collected from a public vantage point during training.
**Key Results:** Standing rowing is characterised by asymmetric and complex kinematics. The thorax in the sagittal plane (Thorax1) showed a mean range of motion (θ_ROM) of 32°, with θ_max averaging around 72° (reaching 83° in one rower) and θ_min around 40°. This was significantly different from seated rowing (p ≈ 0). Pelvic and spinal movements were synchronised, with spinal θ_ROM averaging only 7°, indicating an erect lumbar spine. In the coronal plane, Thorax2 θ_ROM averaged c. 15°, with maximum sideways tilting at the finish (up to 17° in one rower), significantly higher than standard ergometer rowing (p < 0.0005). Thorax3 (transverse) θ_ROM also averaged c. 15°, showing rotational twisting from catch to finish. The left knee showed a mean θ_ROM of 52° (s.d. 13.4°), ranging from c. 38° to c. 65° across rowers, with catch angles from c. −3° (hyperextension) to c. 23° and finish angles from c. 40° to c. 89°. The right knee remained relatively static. The left ankle moved from a plantar flexed position (c. 1°) at catch to dorsiflexion (c. 16.5° maximum) at the end of drive. Shoulder kinematics showed double peaking in the sagittal plane (mid-recovery and mid-drive), unlike seated rowing where peaks occur at catch or finish. Sagittal shoulder angles at finish averaged c. 37–38°. Elbow peak movement occurred mid-drive, corresponding to the final push before finish.
**Clinical Implications:** This study provides the first quantitative kinematic description of Venetian-style standing rowing, establishing a reference for coaches, athletes, and researchers. The technique offers a total-body workout engaging all major muscle groups, with asymmetric lower-limb loading and significant upper-body involvement. The forward-facing position may enhance safety in busy waters by allowing the rower to steer without a coxswain. The modified ergometer setup could serve as a novel training tool. Limitations include the small sample size (n=4), laboratory conditions that do not replicate water instability, and focus only on the parasija position. Further studies are needed on muscle activity, forces, energetics, injuries, and potential applications for para-rowing.