Abstract
In canoe sprint, the trunk muscles play an important role in stabilizing the body in an unstable environment (boat) and in generating forces that are transmitted through the shoulders and arms to the paddle for propulsion of the boat. Isokinetic training is well suited for sports in which propulsion is generated through water resistance due to similarities in the resistive mode. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of isokinetic training in addition to regular sport-specific training on trunk muscular fitness and body composition in world-class canoeists and to evaluate associations between trunk muscular fitness and canoe-specific performance. Nine world-class canoeists (age: 25.6 ± 3.3 years; three females; four world champions; three Olympic gold medalists) participated in an 8-week progressive isokinetic training with a 6-week block “muscle hypertrophy” and a 2-week block “muscle power.” Pre- and post-tests included the assessment of peak isokinetic torque at different velocities in concentric (30 and 140°s-1) and eccentric (30 and 90°s-1) mode, trunk muscle endurance, and body composition (e.g., body fat, segmental lean mass). Additionally, peak paddle force was assessed in the flume at a water current of 3.4 m/s. Significant pre-to-post increases were found for peak torque of the trunk rotators at 30°s-1 (p = 0.047; d = 0.4) and 140°s-1 (p = 0.014; d = 0.7) in concentric mode. No significant pre-to-post changes were detected for eccentric trunk rotator torque, trunk muscle endurance, and body composition (p > 0.148). Significant medium-to-large correlations were observed between concentric trunk rotator torque but not trunk muscle endurance and peak paddle force, irrespective of the isokinetic movement velocity (all r ≥ 0.886; p ≤ 0.008). Isokinetic trunk rotator training is effective in improving concentric trunk rotator strength in world-class canoe sprinters. It is recommended to progressively increase angular velocity from 30°s-1 to 140°s-1 over the course of the training period.
Highlights
Canoe sprint is a sport that demands high levels of endurance and muscular fitness to compete at the international level (Tesch, 1983; Fry and Morton, 1991; Borges et al, 2015)
No test or isokinetic training-related injuries occurred over the course of the 8-week training period
Significant pre-topost increases were detected for peak isokinetic torque during concentric mode of the trunk rotators at 30◦s−1 and 140◦s−1 left side but not right side (Table 3)
Summary
Canoe sprint is a sport that demands high levels of endurance and muscular fitness to compete at the international level (Tesch, 1983; Fry and Morton, 1991; Borges et al, 2015). Critical 1performance determinants of the pull-through phase of the kayak-stroke during short distance racing (e.g., short sprint) are upper limb and trunk muscle strength and power. In race distances ≥500 m, muscular endurance of upper limb and trunk muscles constitute important performance determinants (Trevithick et al, 2007; Uali et al, 2012). Trunk muscle strength and stability are needed in canoe sprint because of the athlete’s unstable position in a rather narrow boat. In addition to the aforementioned trunk muscles, upper limb muscles (e.g., mm. triceps brachii, biceps brachii) contribute to boat propulsion as well (Fry and Morton, 1991; Akca and Muniroglu, 2008; McKean and Burkett, 2010)
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