THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAXIMAL EXERCISE CAPACITY AND TIME TRIAL PERFORMANCE IN CANOEISTS

Abstract

It has been previously shown that peak power output (PPO) is a better predictor of endurance performance than peak VO2, particularly in cyclists. However, it has not been shown if the same holds true for canoeists. PURPOSE To determine the relationship between maximal exercise capacity and time trial (TT) performance in canoeists. METHODS 15 well-trained canoeists (18–33 years) volunteered to participate in the study. All subjects completed a progressive, incremental exercise test to fatigue on the K1 Kayak ergometer to determine VO2max, PPO and anaerobic threshold. They also performed a 6 km TT on the same ergometer, during which power output, VO2 and heart rate (HR) were continuously measured. Cardiorespiratory variables were measured with the Cosmed Quark b2 metabolic system. RESULTS A significant correlation was found between PPO and TTtime (r=−0.91, p < 0.01), as well as PPO and TT(PO)(r=0.94, p < 0.01). There were also significant relationships between VO2max (L/min) and TTtime (r=−0.85, p < 0.01) and TT(PO)(r=0.85, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our results show that PPO is the best predictor of 6 km TT performance on the kayak. This is in agreement with previous studies using cyclists, runners and swimmers.