Male Kayakers Research Articles

The relationship between joint range of motion, muscular strength, and race time for sub-elite flat water kayakers

Upper body strength and flexibility are common training activities in elite flat water kayaking yet the relationship between joint range of motion, muscular strength, and race time is unclear. The aim of this research was to firstly quantify the flexibility and strength of sub-elite kayakers and then determine the relationship of this data to performance race times. Twenty-nine national standard kayak paddlers were assessed for shoulder and pelvic flexibility, upper body strength, and performance time. The shoulder internal and external rotation range of movement for kayak paddlers was reduced in comparison to other populations. For the female paddlers significant ( p < 0.01) and strong correlations ( r > 0.70) were found between shoulder flexion range of movement, shoulder strength, and strength endurance. Strength scores for kayak paddlers are reported for the first time showing the Pull:Push strength ratio for male kayak paddlers was 129%, and for females 147%. The strength ratio was significantly different ( p < 0.01) across gender and also different to published ratios from other sports. Several other measures were also significantly different across gender. All paddlers showed significant and strong correlations between the three 8RM shoulder strength exercises, highlighting the importance of maintaining balance of strength for the muscles acting on the shoulder. There was only one measure, the strength endurance Bench-Pull-Max-Power for females that significantly and strongly correlated to the on-water performances; identifying the poor relationship between current dry land training activities and race performance. No single strength or ROM measure correlated strongly with on-water performances for either sex, as a sport kayaking appears to reduce the ROM about the shoulder joint.

Antioxidant Status, Oxidative Stress, and Damage in Elite Trained Kayakers and Canoeists and Sedentary Controls

Strenuous physical activity is known to generate reactive oxygen species to a point that can exceed the antioxidant defense system and lead to oxidative stress. Dietary intake of antioxidants, plasma enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase [Gr], and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) activities, nonenzymatic (total antioxidant status [TAS], uric acid, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin) antioxidants, and markers of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances [TBARS]) and muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK]) were measured in 17 elite male kayakers and canoeists under resting conditions and in an equal number of age- and sex-matched sedentary individuals. Athletes showed increased plasma values of alpha-tocopherol (p = .037), alpha-carotene (p = .003), beta-carotene (p = .007), and superoxide dismutase activity (p = .002) and a lower TAS level (p = .030). Antioxidant intake (alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, and beta-carotene) and plasmatic GPx, Gr, lycopene, lutein + zeaxanthin, retinol, and uric acid levels were similar in both groups. Nevertheless, TBARS (p < .001) and CK (p = .011) levels were found to be significantly higher in the kayakers and canoeists. This work suggests that despite the enhanced levels of antioxidants, athletes undergoing regular strenuous exercise exhibited more oxidative stress than sedentary controls.

Construct and Concurrent Validation of OMNI–Kayak Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale

This study tested the concurrent and construct validity of a newly developed OMNI-Kayak Scale, testing 8 male kayakers who performed a flatwater load-incremented "shuttle" test over a 500-m course and 3 estimation-production trials over a 1,000-m course. Velocity, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), using the OMNI-Kayak RPE Scale and the Borg 6-20 Scale were recorded. OMNI-Kayak Scale RPE was highly correlated with velocity, the Borg 6-20 Scale RPE, blood lactate, and heart rate for both load-incremented test (rs = .87-.96), and estimation trials (rs = .75-.90). There were no significant differences among velocities, heart rate and blood lactate concentration between estimation and production trials. The OMNI-Kayak RPE Scale showed concurrent and construct validity in assessing perception of effort in flatwater kayaking and is a valid tool for self-regulation of exercise intensity.

Prediction of Flatwater Kayaking Performance

To determine the relative importance of anthropometric and physiological attributes for performance in the 1000-m, 500-m, and 200-m flatwater kayaking events. Eighteen competitive male kayakers completed performance trials over the 3 distances and a battery of anthropometric and physiological tests. Performance times (mean +/- SD) for 1000 m, 500 m, and 200 m were 262.56 +/- 36.44 s, 122.10 +/- 5.74 s, and 41.59 +/- 2.12 s, respectively. Performance in all 3 events was correlated with a number of physiological parameters; in addition, 500-m and 200-m performance was correlated with upper body dimensions. 1000-m time was predicted by power output at lactate turnpoint expressed as a percentage of maximal aerobic power, work done in a 30-s ergometry test and work done in a 2-min ergometry test (adjusted R2 = 0.71, SEE = 5.72 s); 500-m time was predicted by work done and the fatigue index in a 30-s ergometry test, work done in a 2-min ergometry test, peak isometric and isokinetic function (adjusted R2 = 0.79, SEE = 2.49 s); 200-m time was predicted by chest circumference, humeral breadth, peak power, work done, and the fatigue index in a 30-s ergometry test (adjusted R2 = 0.71, SEE = 0.71 s). A number of physiological variables are correlated with performance in all events. 1000-m, 500-m, and 200-m times were predicted with a standard error of only 2.2%, 2.0%, and 1.7%, respectively.

A method for personalising the blade size for competitors in flatwater kayaking

The intent of this project was to explore the feasibility of personalising the paddle blade size for individual flatwater kayakers based on their power output profiles. Twelve elite male kayakers performed on a kayak ergometer at the same intensity and resistance that they would normally experience while paddling at race pace for 500 m on the water. The kayak ergometer was instrumented so that power profiles could be determined from the instantaneous force and velocity of the representative centre point of the paddle blade. From the power profile information, the researchers calculated a personalised blade size that was expected to improve performance for those kayakers differing more than 5% from the calculated ‘ideal’ size. For the elite kayakers studied, it was recommended that seven of the paddlers should increase their blade size by approximately 5–10%. For the remaining five paddlers, the results indicated that their current blade sizes were within the expected measurement error of their predicted ideal value and should be retained. It is anticipated that this research will provide the theoretical rationale for elite kayakers to see the need to personalise their blade size based on their own muscle power profiles.

The Relative Importance of Anthropometric and Physiological Attributes in Sprint Kayaking Performance

PURPOSE: To determine the relative importance of anthropometric and physiological attributes for performance in the 1000 m, 500 m and 200 m sprint kayaking events. METHODS: Eighteen male kayakers, who ranged from international to club level (age 25±4 yr), completed a battery of anthropometric, ergometry, dynamometry and spirometry tests. Pearson pro duct-moment correlation coefficients were calculated for the relationships between these parameters and performance time over 1000 m, 500 m and 200 m. In addition, physiological variables were scaled to body mass using exponents of 1 and 0.67. Variables displaying a significant relationship with race time were entered into backward regression analysis to predict performance. RESULTS: The performance times (mean ± SD) for 1000 m, 500 m and 200 m were 262.56 ±36.44 sec, 122.10 ± 5.74 sec and 41.59 ± 2.12 sec, respectively. Significant relationships (P <0.05) with 1000 m performance were found for biacromial breadth (r = 0.52), oxygen consumption at the lactate turn-point (LTP) expressed as a percentage of VO (r = −0.51), peak power (r = −0.65) and work done (r = −0.74) in the 30 sec ergometry test. Significant relationships with both 500 m and 200 m performance were found for chest girth (r = −0.50 and −0.53, respectively), humeral breadth (r = −0.65 and −0.83, respectively), power at LTP (r = −0.52 and −0.54, respectively), maximal aerobic power (r = −0.66 and −0.59, respectively), peak power (r = −0.84 and −0.68, respectively) and work done (r = −0.87 and −0.74, respectively) in the 30 sec ergometry test, isometric torque (r = −0.60 and −0.47, respectively) and isokinetic (at 300 °-sec1) torque (r = −0.66 and −0.57, respectively) during a simulated kayak stroke. Physiological variables expressed in absolute terms demonstrated a stronger relationship with performance than when scaled to body mass using either exponent. Regression analysis revealed that 1000 m performance was predicted by oxygen consumption at LTP expressed as a percentage of VO2max and work done in the 30 sec ergometry test (adjusted R2 = 0.43, SEE = 6.75 sec); 500 m performance by humeral breadth, peak isokinetic torque and peak power in the 30 sec ergometry test (adjusted R2 = 0.64, SEE = 3.23 sec); and 200 m performance by chest circumference, humeral breadth, work done in the 30 sec ergometry test and maximal aerobic power (adjusted R2 = 0.66, SEE = 0.77 sec). CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric and absolute physiological attributes are correlated with performance in all three distances, though their relative importance varies between events. Performance time over 1000 m, 500 m and 200 m may be predicted with a standard error of only 2.6%, 2.6% and 1.9%, respectively.

Prediction of 200-m Sprint Kayaking Performance

The aim of this study was to determine the anthropometric and physiological profile of 200-m sprint kayakers and to examine relationships with 200-m race performance. Twenty-six male kayakers who were categorised in two ability groups, international (Int) and national (Nat) level, underwent a battery of anthropometric and physiological tests and a 200-m race. Race time was significantly lower in Int than Nat (39.9 +/- 0.8 s and 42.6 +/- 0.9 s, respectively). Int demonstrated significantly greater measures of mesomorphy, biepycondylar humeral breadth, circumferences of the upper arm, forearm and chest, peak power and total work in a modified Wingate test, total work in a 2-min ergometry test, peak isokinetic power, and peak isometric force. Significant relationships were found between 200-m time and a number of anthropometric variables and anaerobic and dynamometric parameters. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that total work in the modified Wingate alone predicted 200-m race time (R2 = 0.53, SEE = 1.11 s) for all 26 subjects, while biepycondylar humeral breadth alone predicted race time (R2 = 0.54, SEE = 0.52 s) in Int. These results demonstrate that superior upper body dimensions and anaerobic capacities distinguish international-level kayakers from national-level athletes and may be used to predict 200-m performance.

AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC CONTRIBUTIONS DURING SIMULATED CANOE/KAYAK SPRINT EVENTS 1256

Twelve members of the USCKT National Sprint team (n=6, male kayakers; n=4, female kayakers; n=2, canoeists) completed submaximal/maximal metabolic tests and simulated 200m, 500m, and 1000m race efforts. All testing was done on a K-1 Ergo (Roger Cargil, Garren, ACT,AUS) paddling ergometer with a power output monitor while open-circuit and heart rate data were collected continuously. The simulated race pieces were 40, 100, and 220 sec for male kayakers and 40, 120, and 240 sec for the others. Based upon the submaximal trials, individual regression equations were developed to predict the oxygen cost from power outputs measured during the simulated events. The aerobic component for these events was obtained from the open-circuit measurements and the anaerobic component by subtracting the aerobic component from the predicted oxygen cost. The means, standard deviations, and ranges for the aerobic contributions as a percent are presented below:Table Within each event, the aerobic contribution increased as the duration increased. Although the mean values were similar across groups, individual values differed by as much as 14% suggesting differences due to training status or genetic predisposition.

The Metabolic Cost of Two Kayaking Techniques

A common technique employed in flatwater kayak and canoe races is "wash riding", in which a paddler positions his/her boat on the wake of a leading boat and, at a strategic moment, drops off the wake to sprint ahead. It was hypothesized that this manoeuver was energy efficient, analogous to drafting in cycling. To study this hypothesis, minute ventilation (VE), heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) were measured in 10 elite male kayak paddlers (age = 25 +/- 6.5 yrs, height = 183.6 +/- 4.4 cm, mass = 83.9 +/- 6.1 kg) during steady-state exercise at a standardized velocity in conditions of "wash riding" (WR) and "non-wash riding" (NWR). The data were collected in field conditions using a portable telemetric metabolic system (Cosmed K2). Statistical analysis of the mean values for VE, VO2 and HR was performed using the Hotelling's T2 statistic and revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences between the WR and NWR trials for all three dependent variables. Mean values for VE (l/min) were WR = 113 +/- 16.5, NWR = 126.3 +/- 15.7; for VO2 (l/min) were WR = 3.22 +/- 0.32, NWR = 3.63 +/- 0.3; and for HR (bpm) were WR = 167 +/- 9.9, NWR = 174 +/- 8.0. It was concluded that wash riding during kayak paddling confers substantial metabolic savings at the speeds tested. This has implications for the design of training programs and competitive strategies for flatwater distance kayak racing.

Testing for Aerobic Power in Paddlers Using Sport-Specific Simulators

A high level of aerobic power of the musculature involved in paddling motions is essential for achieving outstanding competitive performances. To adhere to the principle of specificity in determining aerobic power, both canoe and kayak simulators and O2max test protocols have been developed. During the tests, power output is progressively increased every 2 min until the paddler is exhausted. The paddler is asked to maintain a predetermined stroke rate (canoe) or stroke cycle (kayak). Strong Spearman rank correlation coefficients between O2max values and performance indicators (category) were found for the subjects in this study (rho = 0.99 for canoeists, 0.97 for male kayakers, and 0.87 for female kayakers). Although there are several limitations to interpreting these statistics, they do not negate the fact that the testing protocol on these simulators is a suitable method for measuring aerobic power in paddlers.

The use of critical power as a determinant for establishing the onset of blood lactate accumulation.

Eight highly trained male kayakers were studied to determine the relationship between critical power (CP) and the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA). Four exercise sessions of 90 s, 240 s, 600 s, and 1200 s were used to identify the CP of each kayaker. Each individual CP was obtained from the line of best fit (LBFCP) obtained from the progressive work output/time relationships. The OBLA was identified by the 4 mmol.l-1 blood lactate concentration and the work output at this level was determined using a lactate curve test. This consisted of paddling at 50 W for 5 min after which a 1-min rest was taken during which a 25-microliters blood sample was taken to analyse for lactate. Exercise was increased by 50 W every 5 min until exhaustion, with the blood sample being taken in the 1-min rest period. The exercise intensity at the OBLA for each subject was then calculated and this was compared to the exercise intensity at the LBFCP. The intensity at LBFCP was found to be significantly higher (t = 2.115, P < 0.05) than that at the OBLA of 4 mmol.l-1. These results were further confirmed by significant differences being obtained in blood lactate concentration (t = 8.063, P < 0.05) and heart rate values (t = 2.90, P < 0.05) obtained from the exercise intensity at LBFCP over a 20-min period and that of the anaerobic threshold (Th(an)) parameters obtained from the lactate/heart rate curve.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Critical power may be determined from two tests in elite kayakers.

Eight highly trained male kayakers were studied in an attempt to examine whether critical power (CP), based upon four tests, could be determined from a combination of any two tests. The mean age of the subjects was 26.3 (SEM 3.8) years, mean height was 180.9 (SEM 5.1) cm, and mean body mass was 81.7 (SEM 8.3) kg. Four exercise sessions of 90 s, 240 s, 600 s, and 1200 s duration were used. For each subject the total work output was plotted against the duration of each test, the CP being obtained from the line of best fit. The CP obtained from this relationship was then compared to the CP derived from six combinations (90/240, 90/600, 90/1200, 240/600, 240/1200 and 600 00 s) of various performance times. A repeated measures analysis of variance found a significant difference between the exercise intensity obtained from the line of best fit and that obtained for the combination of exercise times of 90/240 s, F(7,1) = 11.12 (P < 0.05). No other significant differences were found between the CP from the line of best fit and that from any of the other possible exercise combinations. This would suggest that any combination of time intervals except 90/240 s may be used to determine the CP of elite kayakers.

Decreased salivary immunoglobulin A secretion rate after intense interval exercise in elite kayakers.

Endurance athletes have been shown to suffer a high incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI; e.g. colds, sore throat) during intense training and after competition. Previous studies have shown that concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), the major effector of host defense against micro-organisms causing URTI, decrease after intense endurance exercise. Many athletes perform intense interval exercise as part of their normal training. The purpose of this study was to determine whether salivary IgA concentrations also decrease after intense interval exercise during the normal training regime in elite athletes. Timed saliva samples were obtained from eight elite male kayakers immediately before and after three on-water training sessions during a 3-week period. The concentrations of IgA, IgG and IgM were determined separately by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and secretion rates calculated for each Ig. The IgA secretion rate (micrograms.min-1) decreased 27%-38% after all three training sessions (P = 0.007); the largest decrease (38%) was noted after the most intense session at the end of an especially intense week of training. The IgA concentration relative to total protein (micrograms.mg protein-1) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) on this training day compared with the other 2 days. Concentrations and secretion rates of IgG and IgM did not change after exercise, indicating a specific effect on IgA. These data would suggest that, in elite athletes, IgA concentration and secretion rate are reduced by intense interval exercise, and that exercise-induced changes in IgA output may be one mechanism contributing to URTI in elite athletes.