EFFECTS OF OFF- AND PRE-SEASON TRAINING ON AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC POWER OF KAYAK PADDLERS 1242

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of off- and pre-season training of racing canoeists on aerobic and anaerobic power output. Twelve varsity kayak paddlers were studied before and after off- and pre-season training. Anaerobic alactic power (AAP) was computed as the highest power output during 7 seconds and anaerobic lactic power (ALP) was obtained as the mean power output during 40 seconds with arm cranking on the modified electrical braked bicycle ergometer. Maximal oxygen uptake as a measure of aerobic power was determined with the progressive arm cranking exercise AAP did not change after off-season training but increased significantly from 591 to 642 watt after pre-season training. Similarly, there were no differences after off-season in ALP but significant differences after pre-season in that. On the other hand, maximal oxygen uptake increased significantly from an average 3.06 to 3.39 l/min after off-season training. The main training program of the off-season consisted of long distance running and paddling. The moderate to high intensity paddling for speed improvement program was used in pre-season training. The low intensity and long duration exercise that was used by paddlers during off-season training increased aerobic power, while anaerobic power was unaffected. It is suggested that for the improvement in anaerobic power output it was necessary to use moderate to high intensity paddling program.