Kinanthropometric and physiological characteristics of national and provincial junior sprint-kayakers

Abstract

To investigate selected kinanthropometric and physiological characteristics unique to national and provincial male junior sprint kayakers, ten kayakers, 5 national and 5 provincial representatives, participated in the study. Anthropometrical characteristics, peak isokinetic shoulder muscle strength (abducted external/internal rotation; flexion/extension at 60o/s), aerobic power (VO2max) and maximal heart rate (MHR) were determined. Student's t-tests were performed to compare variables between the groups. There were significant differences between the two groups for MHR (p < 0.01) and relative VO2max (p < 0.001). The mean values for MHR were 194.2 b.min-1 (± 4.6) vs 184.2 b.min-1 (± 5.6) and for VO2max 64.1 ml.kg-1.min-1 (± 3.8) vs 54.3 ml.kg-1.min-1 (± 2.7) for the national and provincial kayakers respectively. The mean external/internal rotation ratios were 0.67 (± 0.07) vs 0.69 (± 0.12) and the flexion/extension ratios were 0.84 (± 0.14) and 0.74 (±0.11) for the national and provincial kayakers respectively. The MHR and VO2max differences could be attributed to numerous factors including genetics, superior training methods or kayaking technique. The strength data indicates the need for individualized strength training programmes to help restore dynamic joint stability. The study presents kinanthropometric and physiological data unique to national and provincial junior sprint kayakers. Key Words: Sprint kayaking, juniors, cardio-respiratory response, shoulder strength. AJPHERD Vol.10(2) 2004: 119-132