Morphological characteristics of Olympic slalom canoe and kayak paddlers

Abstract

Sidney and Shephard (1973) were the first to report on the morphology of slalom paddlers and characterized them as having “a substantial standing height and lean body mass, good general muscle development with particular emphasis on the leg muscles”. The purpose of this study was to analyse the morphological characteristics of Olympic slalom kayak and canoe paddlers to determine whether they possess unique physique or structural characteristics that provide an advantage for their sport. Thirty-one male and 12 female slalom paddlers were measured using a battery of 36 anthropometric dimensions in the 15-day period before competition at the 2000 Olympic Games. Male slalom paddlers were older, lighter, shorter, and leaner than previously reported slalom paddlers and had similar height and weight to a reference population of non-athletes. Compared with Olympic sprint paddlers, male slalom paddlers were older, lighter and shorter, and had similar body fat and almost identical proportionality characteristics. Female slalom paddlers were taller, lighter, older, and less fat than those reported previously. They were taller and lighter than the reference population of non-athletes and of similar age and height but lighter and leaner than the Olympic sprint paddlers. While a high brachial index was reported for both male and female slalom paddlers, the Best male paddlers (those ranked in the top 10 placings) were more compact, had smaller proportional hip girth, and showed a tendency for smaller proportional hip breadth but a larger proportional waist girth than the Rest (those not ranked in the top 10 placings). Changes to the technical aspect of the events and to competition rules and the nature and approach to training were explored as possible reasons for some of these differences. We outline the contribution this research makes to talent identification and highlight the need for further research.     

Canoe slalom competition analysis

The aim of this study was to quantify the differences between groups of elite canoe slalom athletes based on the class they paddle in and the strategies they use in competition. Canoe and kayak footage was recorded using three cameras and analysed using lapsed-time time-motion analysis. Analysis was undertaken on the ten fastest competition runs for men's kayak and canoes and women's kayak for the 22-gate semi-final/final course at the 2005 canoe slalom world championships. Comparison between the categories of paddlers revealed that despite canoe paddlers taking significantly (P < or = 0.05) fewer strokes than kayak paddlers, they were not significantly slower than men's single kayak paddlers with respect to their run times and only significantly slower between 4 of 22 gates. Results revealed also that paddlers using different turn strategies (spin vs. pivot) had significantly (P < or = 0.05) different split times for the gates before and after the execution of the manoeuvre. For a paddler this means that their individual strategy could be analysed and compared with those of others to determine if alternate strategies would be beneficial to their performance.     

Canoe slalom competition analysis

The aim of this study was to quantify the differences between groups of elite canoe slalom athletes based on the class they paddle in and the strategies they use in competition. Canoe and kayak footage was recorded using three cameras and analysed using lapsed-time time–motion analysis. Analysis was undertaken on the ten fastest competition runs for men's kayak and canoes and women's kayak for the 22-gate semi-final/final course at the 2005 canoe slalom world championships. Comparison between the categories of paddlers revealed that despite canoe paddlers taking significantly (P ≤ 0.05) fewer strokes than kayak paddlers, they were not significantly slower than men's single kayak paddlers with respect to their run times and only significantly slower between 4 of 22 gates. Results revealed also that paddlers using different turn strategies (spin vs. pivot) had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different split times for the gates before and after the execution of the manoeuvre. For a paddler this means that their individual strategy could be analysed and compared with those of others to determine if alternate strategies would be beneficial to their performance.     

Performance tolerance and boat set-up in elite sprint kayaking

The aim of this study was to examine the inter-relationship between athlete morphology, equipment set-up and performance in elite sprint kayaking. Correlations applied to data from the 2000 Olympics were used to select the most important links between morphology and boat set-up--paddle grip width and foot-bar distance. Associations between body size and the above selected equipment set-ups were calculated using a Pearson correlation matrix, to facilitate the logical selection of independent variables as input for regression analyses. Significant (p < 0.01) regression equations were developed for the prediction of foot-bar distance (r2 = 0.589: standard error of estimate (SEE) = 4.48) and paddle grip width (r2 = 0.541: SEE = 3.08). Three national-standard sprint kayakers used their preferred set-up together with modifications of their predicted set-up, derived from Olympic data, to test performance tolerance in sprint kayaking. Mean coefficients of multiple determination over three trials for the three paddlers of 0.91, 0.91 and 0.92 for left paddle force, right paddle force, and paddle angle at water entry, respectively, were recorded when using their preferred set-up. These data showed that the paddlers produce consistent patterns of motion. The intervention of altering the boat set-up resulted in varying changes to boat speed. The mean preferred speed for the three paddlers of 4.47 m/s was reduced by 0.07 and 0.10 m/s when the above boat set-up was modified to a predicted and 'predicted plus one standard deviation'respectively. These changes in boat speed were the result of alterations in the mechanics of paddling technique.     

Canoe slalom boat trajectory while negotiating an upstream gate

The aim of this study was to determine how the path chosen by elite slalom paddlers influences the time taken to negotiate an upstream gate. Six trials for international men's single kayak (MK1) (n = 11) and single canoe (C1) (n = 6) paddlers were digitized for a left-hand upstream gate. Results revealed that the absolute variability of paddlers increased as their total time increased (r = 0.594), but the coefficient of variation remained constant. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.89, each individual trial; r = 0.93, mean total time for each participant) between boat trajectory and the total time. The MK1 and C1 paddlers used similar strategies to negotiate an upstream gate. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the boat trajectory of the fastest and slowest paddlers (average distance between paddler's head and the inside pole). These results suggest that to achieve a faster upstream gate performance, paddlers should concentrate on the distance between their head and the inside pole. However, there would be an optimal distance beyond which any further reduction in the distance would impede technique and performance.     

Does local dynamic stability of kayak paddling technique affect the sports performance? A pilot study

During competition, kayak athletes must optimally adapt to environmental factors (e.g. wind, waves) to achieve peak performance. However, the ability to adapt to such perturbations has never been assessed in kayak paddling. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the local dynamic stability in sports technique of youth sprint kayak athletes. In a cross-sectional study, 14 healthy male athletes were recruited from an elite youth sprint kayak squad. During an incremental kayak ergometer test, mean power, heart rates and local dynamic technique stability of hands, arms, trunk and paddle were registered and the association with the athletes 2000?m free-water times were estimated using mixed models. The 2000?m free-water performance significantly predicted the paddles (p?=?.037) local dynamic stability whereas no association was found for the trunk or the upper extremity kinematics. In conclusion, kayak athletes with high-performance capability over 2000?m paddling depict high local dynamic technique stability. This emphasizes the importance of a stable technique for advanced kayak skills, especially regarding paddling movements.     

伦敦奥运会激流回旋皮划艇决赛信息比较分析

运用文献资料法、数理统计法和对比分析法对伦敦奥运会激流回旋男子单人皮艇、女子单人皮艇、男子单人划艇和男子双人划艇决赛的国家、最终成绩、运动员的年龄、身高与体重等有关信息进行了研究,认为当前激流回旋世界格局依然是欧洲主导,但分布较广;世界优秀运动员年龄及形态数据为国内选材提供了参考;男子双人划艇竞争最为激烈,其次是男子单人皮艇。     

不同项目足弓形态特点及其与跳深实验中支撑时间的关系

从运动员选材角度探讨不同项目足弓形态特点及在跳深实验中足弓形态与支撑时间关系,以期为足弓形态应用于田径运动员选材提供科学依据。研究对象：上海市一、二线短跑和中长跑共84名运动员,其中男子短跑运动员34名,女子短跑运动员19名,男子中长跑运动员21名,女子中长跑10名。方法：所有研究对象均进行身高、体重、足弓形态、跳深实验测试,然后分组研究足弓形态与跳深实验中支撑时间关系。结果：男女均表现出足弓低的组支撑时间快于足弓高的组支撑时间;短跑和中长跑项目中男女优秀组的足弓均出现低于一般组的趋势;短跑男子优秀组和一般组的足弓基本都低于中长跑优秀组和一般组的趋势。结论：足弓高低是影响短跑或中长跑运动员支撑时间长短的重要因素,在运动员选材中或对教练员训练中有重要的指导意义。     

Performance tolerance and boat set‐up in elite sprint Kayaking

The aim of this study was to examine the inter‐relationship between athlete morphology, equipment set‐up and performance in elite sprint kayaking. Correlations applied to data from the 2000 Olympics were used to select the most important links between morphology and boat set‐up — paddle grip width and foot‐bar distance. Associations between body size and the above selected equipment set‐ups were calculated using a Pearson correlation matrix, to facilitate the logical selection of independent variables as input for regression analyses. Significant (p < 0.01) regression equations were developed for the prediction of foot‐bar distance (r² = 0.589: standard error of estimate (SEE) = 4.48) and paddle grip width (r² = 0.541: SEE = 3.08). Three national‐standard sprint kayakers used their preferred set‐up together with modifications of their predicted set‐up, derived from Olympic data, to test performance tolerance in sprint kayaking. Mean coefficients of multiple determination over three trials for the three paddlers of 0.91, 0.91 and 0.92 for left paddle force, right paddle force, and paddle angle at water entry, respectively, were recorded when using their preferred set‐up. These data showed that the paddlers produce consistent patterns of motion. The intervention of altering the boat set‐up resulted in varying changes to boat speed. The mean preferred speed for the three paddlers of 4.47 m/s was reduced by 0.07 and 0.10 m/s when the above boat set‐up was modified to a predicted and ‘predicted plus one standard deviation’ respectively. These changes in boat speed were the result of alterations in the mechanics of paddling technique.     

Is passive drag dependent on the interaction of kayak design and paddler weight in flat-water kayaking?

Abstract

Drag is one of the major factors that influences kayaking performance. To focus on the drag of the kayak’s hull shape and the paddlers’ weight per se, the passive drag (D_p) was measured on a flat-water sprint course for one paddler with added weights. D_p was measured by an electromechanical towing device using a load cell, at incremental and constant velocities from 2.78 to 5.56 m/s. Three kayaks of different sizes and shapes (Nelo® K1 Quattro-M, ML, and L) were used and the paddlers’ body weight was adjusted with weights so the total paddler weight in the kayak was 65, 75, and 85 kg. The mean D_p increased by the power function of D = kvⁿ (mean R² = .990; SD .006). The D_p went from 21.37?±?1.29 N at 2.78 m/s to 89.32?±?6.43 N at 5.56 m/s. For the two lighter weighted kayaks (65 and 75 kg), the lowest D_p was observed with different kayak sizes (M, ML, or L) depending on the target velocity. The manufacturers suggest that paddlers should select a kayak size according to their body weight to minimise drag; however, the results of this study suggest that target velocities, and thus competition distance should also be factored into kayak selection.     

青少年男子短跑运动员膝关节等速肌力特征研究

目的：通过对36名二级青少年男子短跑运动员双侧膝关节进行等速测试，探析青少年短跑运动员膝关节向心屈伸肌群的生物力学特性．为运动训练、科学选材及临床康复等提供理论依据。方法：利用Kinitech等速康复肌力测试系统对青少年男子短跑运动员膝关节屈伸肌群进行等速测试。结果：青少年男子短跑运动员双侧膝关节屈伸峰力矩随测试速度的增加呈递减趋势，且膝伸肌大于膝屈肌（P〈0．05），峰力矩屈伸比（V／E）随给定测试速度的增加呈递增趋势；最大功率随测试速度的增大而增加，同一测试速度下屈、伸肌群最大功率无明显差异，左、右侧相比也无显著性差异（600／s伸肌除外）；屈伸肌群达峰力矩的角度（APT）表现为伸肌角度明显低于屈肌角度，随速度增加左右两侧膝关节达峰力矩的角度无显著差异：双侧膝关节屈伸肌群达峰力矩的时间（TPT）随测试速度的增加而减小，同一测试速度下伸肌达峰力矩的时间大于屈肌；右侧膝关节屈肌相对峰力矩（PT／BM）与下肢形态学指标表现出不同程度的正相关。结论：青少年男子短跑运动员膝关节峰力矩变化规律与成年人相一致，但左右侧膝关节屈伸肌群做功能力发展不平衡，屈伸肌群运动达峰力矩角度、达峰力矩的时间存在显著差异。     

短跑和中长跑运动员跳深实验中支撑时间特征的研究

目的：从运动员选材角度探讨短跑和中长跑项目运动员在跳深实验中支撑时间的特征,为支撑时间应用于田径运动员选材提供依据。方法：以上海市一、二线短跑和中长跑共84名运动员为研究对象。所有研究对象均进行身高、体重、跳深实验测试,分组研究两项目运动员支撑时间特征。结果：短跑男子优秀组最快和平均支撑时间都快于一般组（P＜0.05）,女子优秀组最快和平均支撑时间也都快于一般组（P＞0.05）,中长跑组也表现基本一致的趋势;项目之间进行比较也基本表现出一致性趋势,也就是短跑组最快和平均支撑时间基本快于相同运动等级中长跑组（P＞0.05）。结论：支撑时间在短跑和中长跑项目中具有明显的项目特征和等级特征,可以应用于短跑或中长跑项目选材。     

静水皮划艇比赛成绩75年发展分析

分别从形态学、生理学、器材、训练学和监控诊断5个方面对静水皮划艇自1936年成为奥运会比赛项目以来75年的比赛成绩发展进行了分析。更高、更强壮的运动员的招募带来了皮划艇运动员生理能力的提高,对专项供能特点认识的深入促进了对有氧能力的重视,器材的不断发展使得运动员专项运动的效率不断提高,训练量的减少和训练结构的优化提高了运动员能力适应的有效性,生理学和生物力学监控诊断的进步增进了对专项特征的了解和训练科学化的程度。     

A deterministic model based on evidence for the associations between kinematic variables and sprint kayak performance

The aim of this narrative review was to propose a deterministic model based on a review of previous research documenting the evidence for the associations between average kayak velocity and kinematic variables in sprint kayaking. Literature was reviewed after searching electronic databases using key words ‘kayak,’ ‘biomechanics,’ ‘velocity,’ ‘kinematics,’ and ‘performance.’ Our kinematic deterministic model for sprint kayaking performance shows that the average kayak velocity is determined by kayak stroke displacement and stroke time. Stroke time had the strongest correlation with 200-m race time (r = 0.86, p < 0.001), and stroke rate (inversely proportional to stroke time) was strongly correlated with average horizontal velocity over two consecutive strokes at race pace (r = ? 0.83, p < 0.05). Increased stroke rate via decreased absolute water phase time and increased relative water phase time were indicative of more elite performance. There was no significant relationship between stroke displacement and velocity; however, a large decrease in stroke displacement may be detrimental to performance. Individual characteristics may be responsible for a paddlers’ ability to achieve and sustain a given stroke rate. Coaches should theoretically focus interventions on increasing stroke rate while maintaining stroke displacement; however this hypothesis should be confirmed with prospective studies.     

国外优秀高山滑雪运动员年龄、身高、体重的变化趋势研究

以近三届冬奥运会高山滑雪中回转、大回转、超级大回转比赛中前6名男女运动员为研究对象,运用文献资料法、专家访谈法、对比研究法、数理统计法探讨国内外高山滑雪运动员年龄、体重、身高、克托莱指数的差异。结果表明：国外高山滑雪运动员的最佳运动年龄为25岁左右,运动员身材高大强壮;国外优秀的高山滑雪回转、大回转、超级大回转男女运动员的身高、体重、克托莱指数之间并不存在显著性差异。     

我国皮划艇激流回旋运动员运动损伤特点及预防

通过对国家皮划艇激流回旋队和省代表队激流皮划艇运动员9个多月训练和比赛期间运动创伤诊疗情况进行统计和调查，找出运动损伤的主要原因、常见部位及受伤容易发生的情况，并针对性地提出了防治的综合措施。     

Anthropometric-based selection and sprint kayak training in children

A 12 week kayak training programme was evaluated in children who either had or did not have the anthropometric characteristics identified as being unique to senior elite sprint kayakers. Altogether, 234 male and female school children were screened to select 10 children with and 10 children without the identified key anthropometric characteristics. Before and after training, the children completed an all-out 2min kayak ergometer simulation test; measures of oxygen consumption, plasma lactate and total work accomplished were recorded. In addition, a 500m time trial was performed at weeks 3 and 12. The coaches were unaware which 20 children possessed those anthropometric characteristics deemed to favour development of kayak ability. All children improved in both the 2min ergometer simulation test and 500m time trial. However, boys who were selected according to favourable anthropometric characteristics showed greater improvement than those without such characteristics in the 2 min ergometer test only. In summary, in a small group of children selected according to anthropometric data unique to elite adult kayakers, 12 weeks of intensive kayak training did not influence the rate of improvement of on-water sprint kayak performance.     

Sprint kayaking and canoeing performance prediction based on the relationship between maturity status,anthropometry and physical fitness in young elite paddlers

This study aimed to identify the maturity-related differences and its influence on the physical fitness, morphological and performance characteristics of young elite paddlers. In total, 89 kayakers and 82 canoeists, aged 13.69 ± 0.57 years (mean ± s), were allocated in three groups depending on their age relative to the age at peak height velocity (pre-APHV, circum-APHV and post-APHV) and discipline (kayak and canoe). Nine anthropometric variables, a battery of four physical fitness tests (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach test and 20 m multistage shuttle run test) and three specific performance tests (1000, 500 and 200 m) were assessed. Both disciplines presented significant maturity-based differences in all anthropometric parameters (except for fat and muscle mass percentage), overhead medicine ball throw and all performance times (pre > circum > post; P < 0.05). Negative and significant correlations (P < 0.01) were detected between performance times, chronological age and anthropometry (body mass, height, sitting height and maturity status), overhead medicine ball throw and sit and reach for all distances. These findings confirm the importance of maturity status in sprint kayaking and canoeing since the more mature paddlers were also those who revealed largest body size, physical fitness level and best paddling performance. Additionally, the most important variables predicting performance times in kayaking and canoeing were maturity status and chronological age, respectively.     

Relationships between sprinting, agility, and jump ability in female athletes

The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between various field tests in female athletes. Altogether, 83 high school soccer, 51 college soccer, and 79 college lacrosse athletes completed tests for linear sprinting, countermovement jump, and agility in a single session. Linear sprints (9.1, 18.3, 27.4, and 36.6 m) and agility tests (Illinois and pro-agility) were evaluated using infrared timing gates, while countermovement jump height was assessed using an electronic timing mat. Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients (r) were used to determine the strength and directionality of the relationship between tests and coefficients of determination (r2) were used to examine the amount of explained variance between tests. All of the performance scores were statistically correlated with each other; however, the coefficients of determination were low, moderate, and high depending on the test pairing. Linear sprint split times were strongly correlated with each other (r= 0.775 to 0.991). The relationship between countermovement jump height and linear sprinting was stronger with the longer distances (27.4 and 36.6 m) than with the shorter distances (9.1 and 18.3 m), and showed a stronger relationship within the college athletes (r= -0.658 to -0.788) than high school soccer players (r= -0.491 to -0.580). The Illinois and pro-agility tests were correlated (r > or = 0.600) with each other as well as with linear sprint times. The results of this study indicate that linear sprinting, agility, and vertical jumping are independent locomotor skills and suggest a variety of tests ought to be included in an assessment protocol for high school and college female athletes.