Physical Profile Of Flemish Youth And Olympic-class Sailors

Abstract

PURPOSE: In this study, the physical characteristics of 53 Flemish youth and Olympic-class sailors was related to their class of vessel and their ranking of sailing performance (based on national rankings). METHODS: The anthropometric profile (height, weight, BMI and fat %) of 53 Flemish sailors, including 11 male optimist and 10 male Laser Radial sailors, was determined. They also performed an isokinetic test (Iso) and incremental exercise protocol (IEP). The Iso consisted of 3 exercise protocols: (1) Three alternating 5 s maximal unilateral (Max Un) isometric knee extensions and flexions were performed for both legs, with 90 s recuperation time between each contraction. All contractions were performed at 60° knee flexion and 120° hip angle. (2) Five Max Un concentric knee extension-flexions were performed for both legs at angular velocity (ω) 30°·s-1, over range of motion (ROM) 20° - 70° knee flexion. Hip angle measured 120°. (3) Five Max Un eccentric knee extension-flexions were performed for both legs at ω 30°·s-1, over ROM 20° - 70° knee flexion. Hip angle was again kept at 120°. Two IEP's were used. Athletes < 16 yr performed a ramp IEP and athletes ≥ 16 yr performed a step IEP. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient (CC) and multiple regression were conducted for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The results show for both male optimist and male Laser Radial group a significant correlation between ranking and maximal isometric Quadriceps peak force of the right leg (Isom Q R). CC were respectively -0,664 (p = 0,026) and -0,691 (p = 0,019). Also, for both groups resp. 41,9 % and 56,4 % of the variation in ranking scores was accounted by Isom Q R (equations were resp. Y = 23,918 - 0,105 X and Y = 16,569 - 0,041 X). In addition, mean conventional isometric H/Q-ratio (benchmark = 60 %) and functional H/Q-ratio (benchmark = 100 %) for all sailors were resp. 42,7 ± 7,8 % and 79,0 ± 16,8 %. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the importance of maximal isometric Quadriceps force concerning sailing performance. However, the Hamstring muscles show a limited capacity for knee joint stabilization, which suggests sailors need to strengthen their Hamstring muscles to prevent the incidence of knee injuries. Supported by the Flemish Government, Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sport and Media. Project title: Olympic Dinghy Sailing 2009-2012