kinanthropometric and physiological differences between elite and sub-elite river marathon paddlers
Por Jacolene Kroff (Autor), Elmarie Terblanche (Autor).
Integra
Introduction
Scientific testing on paddlers has been problematic in the past, where the identification of superior attributes in the successful paddler was based on less specific laboratory tests, e.g. arm crank ergometry. Previous research [1] showed that it is imperative that performance tests used in a laboratory setting should simulate the kayak stroke to impose the same physiological demands as the sport itself. The purpose of the study was to identify kinanthropometric and physiological differences between elite (E) and sub-elite (SE) marathon paddlers in the Western Cape, South Africa, using a K1 kayak ergometer.
Methods
11 E and 9 SE paddlers participated in the study. Kinanthropometric measurements included weight, sitting and standing heights, limb lengths and widths, and skinfold measurements. Aerobic power (VO2max, PPO) and endurance performance (30 min time trial [TT]) were assessed on the kayak ergometer (K1 Ergo). Student’s t-tests were used to test for differences for all outcome variables between the two groups. An alpha level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Sitting height was significantly higher (3%) in the E group when expressed as a percentage of standing height (p=0.03). VO2max (ml/kg/min) was 12% (p=0.05) higher in the E group than in the SE group. The E group paddled 366 m further than the SE group during the 30 min TT (p=0.02). Average PO and average stroke length during the TT was significantly higher in the E group than in the SE group (p=0.02).
Discussion
This study attempts to describe the physiological parameters that account for high level canoeing performance in men. We have shown that sitting height and weight, relative VO2max, PPO and back stroke length are the most outstanding attributes of elite paddlers. It remains to be seen which of these variables are actually good predictors of performance.
References
[1]. Van Someren KA et al (2000). Int J Sports Med, 21, 200-204.
