Examining Physical Fitness and Training Strategies for Chinese Elite Canoe Slalom Players

Abstract

Research showed that aerobic metabolism is one of the main energy supply for slalom athletes in training and competition (Jan Busta et al., 2018). To assist canoe slalom players improving their performance, it would be beneficial to examine the top canoe slalom athletes’ physical fitness status and their training protocols. By comparing the difference of the fitness status and training protocols, we may develop an optimal training protocol to improve the athletes’ physical fitness and their performance. In this study, the world top athletes and Chinese elite players’ fitness status was compared. The goal was to help Chinese players to reach the top level in world competitions. Fifteen elite canoe slalom players were recruited from the Chinese national team (age: 21 ± 2 years; 3 female and 12 male elite athletes). The fitness tests included bench push and bench pull for maximum strength (1RM) and endurance strength (40% 1RM for 120 seconds). 300-meter speed race in flat water was used as a comparison indicator of athlete's basic paddling speed ability, owing to the courses of slalom races differ. The physiology tests were VO2max, heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (BLA). All the data were collected during the winter training session in 2016. The HSIRB approved the data collection procedures. Descriptive statistics were calculated and analyzed using SPSS 25. The comparisons were made between Chinese elite athletes and world top athletes. For the VO2max/kg, the results showed that the Chinese elite canoe slalom female players (50.8 ± 2.19 ml/kg/min) fell 0.68 standard deviation (SD) lower than the world top level while males (56.03 ± 2.95ml/kg/min) fell 0.70SD lower. The maximum strength of bench push were 96 ± 4.1kg (female)and 125 ± 15.3kg (male). The bench pull were 81 ± 1.4kg (female) and 110 ± 5.8kg (male). The endurance strength repetition results of bench push were 91.3 ± 14.3 (female) and 80.8 ± 7.2 (male), the bench pull were 87 ± 6.7 (female) and 83.3 ± 7.6 (male). The result of 300-meter speed race in flat water showed that the Chinese male kayakers (100.1 ± 0.3s) was significantly slower than international male kayakers (88.1 ± 7.7s) (t = 1.56, p = 0.0594). Chinese male kayakers’ heart rate (170 ± 3 bpm, tested immediately) was slower and lactic acid level (15.4 ± 1.4 mmol/L, tested 3 minutes after) was higher, comparing with the world top kayakers. Chinese elite players’ aerobic metabolism, strength and speed statistically fell behind of world top players in canoe slalom. In order to be competitive at the world top level race (e.g., 202 Tokyo Olympics), the Chinese elite canoe slalom players may need to add more proportion of aerobic training, endurance strength and speed training.This study analyzed the performance of gender differences in value orientation of physical education teachers in junior and senior high schools. Researcher selected 16 middle school PE teachers(8 males and 8 females) in China under the premise of controlling the environment（all objects work in first-tier urbans）, education background (same degree and graduated from same university) and working years (3 years). Participants’ value orientation was assessed with the value orientation scale and individual interviews. The results illustrated that female teachers rated the self-actualization index and social responsibility index the highest, while male counterparts were more likely to orient teaching towards disciplinary mastery and learning process. Interview data further confirmed the assertion. Compared to females, male teachers were more masculine- and authoritative- oriented, more likely to be dominant in terms of skill acquisition and sports development based on students’ interests. However, female teachers were better at carry out teaching through praise, encouragement and patient communication. A systematic analysis of the gender difference in value orientation and underneath reasons leading to the difference is needed to enhance teaching and cultivate talents in physical education.