Abstract
Nowadays, in modern elite sport, the identification of the best training strategies which are useful in obtaining improvements during competitions requires an accurate measure of the physiologic and biomechanical parameters that affect performance. The goal of this pilot study was to investigate the capabilities of the e-Kayak system, a multichannel digital acquisition system specifically tailored for flatwater sprint kayaking application. e-Kayak allows the synchronous measure of all the parameters involved in kayak propulsion, both dynamic (including forces acting on the paddle and footrest) and kinematic (including stroke frequency, displacement, velocity, acceleration, roll, yaw, and pitch of the boat). After a detailed description of the system, we investigate its capability in supporting coaches to evaluate the performance of elite athletes’ trough-specific measurements. This approach allows for a better understanding of the paddler’s motion and the relevant effects on kayak behavior. The system allows the coach to carry out a wide study of kayak propulsion highlighting, and, at the same time, the occurrences of specific technical flaws in the paddling technique. In order to evaluate the correctness of the measurement results acquired in this pilot study, these results were compared with others which are available in the literature and which were obtained from subjects with similar characteristics.
Highlights
Nowadays, the use of a simple chronometer or of video analysis no longer represents a suitable system for the assessment of training or a race performance for elite athletes
Among the parameters that can be measured for the assessment of performance in elite kayaking, the most significant ones are undoubtedly the force applied to the paddle by the kayaker as well as the stroke rate and good boat buoyancy and velocity [12]
With regard to the paddling analysis, several studies can be found in the literature that identify some specific parameters that can be used for an evaluation of the most effective technique
Summary
The use of a simple chronometer or of video analysis no longer represents a suitable system for the assessment of training or a race performance for elite athletes. This approach does not allow for investigation of all the parameters involved in the assessment of performance, and it permits qualitative analysis at best. Represents a key factor in improving the training procedures of this class of athletes For this reason, it is possible to obtain better improvements in performance only when athletes and coaches are able to receive live and accurate feedback during training sessions, or an understandable full report after training, for deeper analysis. To be accepted by the athlete, the sensors applied on him or her or on the sports equipment must be light, unobtrusive, and not liable to influence in any way, physical or psychological, the performance itself [2,3,4,5]
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