Equipment set-up among Olympic sprint and slalom kayak paddlers

The anthropometry and equipment set-up for sprint (31 male; 11 female) and slalom (12 male; 12 female) kayak paddlers who competed at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney were measured in the 15 day period before competition. This paper provides normative data for equipment set-up in these sports, as well as information about differences in rigging and paddle dimensions between sprint and slalom kayak paddlers. These differences were consistent for both male and female athletes, with sprint paddlers seated higher and using longer paddles with longer, though narrower, blades (p < 0.0001). Among male sprint paddlers, only minor differences in equipment set-up were found between competitors ranked in the top 10 places compared to the rest of the field. Considering all male paddlers initially, then sprint paddlers alone, significant (p < 0.01) regression equations were developed for the prediction of foot bar distance (r2 = 0.482 and 0.589 respectively) and hand grip distance (r2 = 0.400 and 0.541 respectively). The process of fine tuning equipment set-up often requires hours of practice with subjective feedback from the athlete. The normative data presented in this paper should assist coaches with this process as their athletes evolve toward their individual optimum set-up.     

Olympic lightweight and open-class rowers possess distinctive physical and proportionality characteristics

Rowers competing at the 2000 Olympic Games were measured for 38 anthropometric dimensions. The aim was to identify common physical characteristics that could provide a competitive advantage. The participants included 140 male open-class rowers, 69 female open-class rowers, 50 male lightweight rowers, and 14 female lightweight rowers. Body mass, stature, and sitting height were different (P < 0.01) between the open-class and lightweight rowers, as well as a comparison group of healthy young adults ("non-rowers", 42 males, 71 females), for both sexes. After scaling for stature, the open-class rowers remained proportionally heavier than the non-rowers, with greater proportional chest, waist, and thigh dimensions (P < 0.01). Rowers across all categories possessed a proportionally smaller hip girth than the non-rowers (P < 0.01), which suggested the equipment places some constraints on this dimension. Top-ranked male open-class rowers were significantly taller and heavier and had a greater sitting height (P < 0.01) than their lower-ranked counterparts. They were also more muscular in the upper body, as indicated by a larger relaxed arm girth and forearm girth (P < 0.01). For the male lightweight rowers, only proportional thigh length was greater in the best competitors (P < 0.01). In the female open-class rowers, skinfold thicknesses were lower in the more highly placed competitors (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the rowers in this sample demonstrated distinctive physical characteristics that distinguish them from non-rowers and other sports performers.     

Olympic lightweight and open-class rowers possess distinctive physical and proportionality characteristics

Abstract

Rowers competing at the 2000 Olympic Games were measured for 38 anthropometric dimensions. The aim was to identify common physical characteristics that could provide a competitive advantage. The participants included 140 male open-class rowers, 69 female open-class rowers, 50 male lightweight rowers, and 14 female lightweight rowers. Body mass, stature, and sitting height were different (P < 0.01) between the open-class and lightweight rowers, as well as a comparison group of healthy young adults (“non-rowers”, 42 males, 71 females), for both sexes. After scaling for stature, the open-class rowers remained proportionally heavier than the non-rowers, with greater proportional chest, waist, and thigh dimensions (P < 0.01). Rowers across all categories possessed a proportionally smaller hip girth than the non-rowers (P < 0.01), which suggested the equipment places some constraints on this dimension. Top-ranked male open-class rowers were significantly taller and heavier and had a greater sitting height (P < 0.01) than their lower-ranked counterparts. They were also more muscular in the upper body, as indicated by a larger relaxed arm girth and forearm girth (P < 0.01). For the male lightweight rowers, only proportional thigh length was greater in the best competitors (P < 0.01). In the female open-class rowers, skinfold thicknesses were lower in the more highly placed competitors (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the rowers in this sample demonstrated distinctive physical characteristics that distinguish them from non-rowers and other sports performers.     

我国优秀激流回旋运动员运动素质训练监测指标的研究

以备战2004年雅典奥运会资格赛的14名国家激流集训队划艇选手为研究对象，对所选取的17项运动素质指标进行测试和分析，确定影响优秀激流运动员运动素质的主要因子，选出8项身体训练的监测指标，并制定了评定标准和评定方法。     

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。     

Body Composition of Olympic Speed Skating Candidates

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the body composition of speed skaters who were candidates for the 1980 United States Olympic Team. Subjects were 19 males between 16 and 27 years of age. Most subjects had just completed three months of intensive dry-land training. Seven skinfold fat, 11 circumference, and seven diameter sites were measured. Body density was determined by underwater weighing. Study of the speed skaters (mean ± standard deviation) gave the following results: height, 176 ± 8 cm; body weight, 69.6 ± 7.0 kg; body density, 1.081 ± 0.006 g/ml; and relative fat, 7.6 ± 2.6%. The eight speed skaters who were selected for the Olympic Team were significantly older, taller, and heavier in total body weight and fat free weight (FFW) than the non-Olympians. Thus, years of training and greater FFW may help differentiate international caliber male speed skaters. Data on Olympic speed skating candidates from 1968 showed them to be of similar age (20.1 yr) and height (176 cm), but greater in body weight (73.9 kg). Relative fat was not determined but the body mass index (Wt/ht²) showed that the present speed skaters may be leaner (24.0 vs 22.2). These differences in body composition were thought to be, in part, a result of the more rigorous training program currently used by speed skaters. The body composition of the speed skaters was also compared to that of other athletic groups.     

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。     

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。     

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.     

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.     

运用血乳酸对我国优秀激流回旋运动员训练强度的研究

通过对我国优秀皮划艇激流回旋运动员赛前集训血乳酸浓度监测来反映运动员常用训练手段训练强度的合理性。结果表明：针对灵敏因子、速度耐力因子与力量柔韧因子的训练手段的训练强度较低，而速度爆发力因子及腹肌因子的训练手段的训练强度适中。     

Kinanthropometric and physiological characteristics of outrigger canoe paddlers

We describe the physiological characteristics of amateur outrigger canoe paddlers. Twenty-one paddlers (13 males, 8 females) were evaluated for body stature, aerobic power, muscular strength and endurance, peak paddle force, flexibility and 250 m sprint paddle performance at the end of the outrigging season. The mean variables ( - s) for the males were: age 27 - 9 years, height 175 - 5 cm, body mass 80 - 5 kg, arm span 178 - 7 cm, sitting height 100 - 2 cm, aerobic power 3.0 - 0.4 l·min-1, maximum bench press strength 85 - 19 kg, right peak paddle force 382 - 66 N and left peak paddle force 369 - 69 N. For the females, these were: age 26 - 6 years, height 168 - 5 cm, body mass 70 - 8 kg, arm span 170 - 5 cm, sitting height 97 - 3 cm, aerobic power 2.3 - 0.5 l· min-1, maximum bench press strength 47 - 10 kg, right peak paddle force 252 - 63 N and left peak paddle force 257 - 60 N. Analysis of variance revealed diff erences (P ? 0.05) between the dominant and non-dominant sides of the body for peak paddle force, isokinetic internal and external rotation, and flexion and extension torque of the shoulder joint. The outrigger canoe paddlers were generally within the range of scores found to describe participants of other water craft sports. Outrigger canoeists should be concerned with the muscular strength imbalances associated with paddling technique.     

我国单板滑雪平行大回转项目的发展策略

通过对单板滑雪平行大回转世界杯、世锦赛和奥运会等世界大赛的成绩统计,对此项目的世界发展现状和格局进行了研究。得出：单板滑雪平行大回转项目优秀运动员特点与高山滑雪优秀运动员的特点较相像,如最佳竞技年龄较大,而且保持最佳竞技状态的年限较长。提出：我国应瞄准此运动发达国家,高起点发展;注重项群理论指导,特别是高山滑雪的理论的指导,高效率发展;培养群众基础;加大宣传力度等发展措施。旨在为单板滑雪平行大回转项目在我国的全面高效开展提供理论专特和参考。     

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.     

Kinanthropometric and physiological characteristics of outrigger canoe paddlers

We describe the physiological characteristics of amateur outrigger canoe paddlers. Twenty-one paddlers (13 males, 8 females) were evaluated for body stature, aerobic power, muscular strength and endurance, peak paddle force, flexibility and 250 m sprint paddle performance at the end of the outrigging season. The mean variables (+/- s) for the males were: age 27 +/- 9 years, height 175 +/- 5 cm, body mass 80 +/- 5 kg, arm span 178 +/- 7 cm, sitting height 100 +/- 2 cm, aerobic power 3.0 +/- 0.4 l x min(-1), maximum bench press strength 85 +/- 19 kg, right peak paddle force 382 +/- 66 N and left peak paddle force 369 +/- 69 N. For the females, these were: age 26 +/- 6 years, height 168 +/- 5 cm, body mass 70 +/- 8 kg, arm span 170 +/- 5 cm, sitting height 97 +/- 3 cm, aerobic power 2.3 +/- 0.51 l x min(-1), maximum bench press strength 47 +/- 10 kg, right peak paddle force 252 +/- 63 N and left peak paddle force 257 +/- 60 N. Analysis of variance revealed differences (P < 0.05) between the dominant and non-dominant sides of the body for peak paddle force, isokinetic internal and external rotation, and flexion and extension torque of the shoulder joint. The outrigger canoe paddlers were generally within the range of scores found to describe participants of other water craft sports. Outrigger canoeists should be concerned with the muscular strength imbalances associated with paddling technique.     

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。     

Differences in hamstring activation characteristics between the acceleration and maximum-speed phases of sprinting

This study aimed to investigate activation characteristics of the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles during the acceleration and maximum-speed phases of sprinting. Lower-extremity kinematics and electromyographic (EMG) activities of the BFlh and ST muscles were examined during the acceleration sprint and maximum-speed sprint in 13 male sprinters during an overground sprinting. Differences in hamstring activation during each divided phases and in the hip and knee joint angles and torques at each time point of the sprinting gait cycle were determined between two sprints. During the early stance of the acceleration sprint, the hip extension torque was significantly greater than during the maximum-speed sprint, and the relative EMG activation of the BFlh muscle was significantly higher than that of the ST muscle. During the late stance and terminal mid-swing of maximum-speed sprint, the knee was more extended and a higher knee flexion moment was observed compared to the acceleration sprint, and the ST muscle showed higher activation than that of the BFlh. These results indicate that the functional demands of the medial and lateral hamstring muscles differ between two different sprint performances.     

Physical activity,physiological, and psychomotor performance: a study of variously active older adult men

This research examined varying levels of physical activity and psychomotor and physiological function in variously active older men. Very active moderately active, and low active participants were tested on simple (SRT) and choice reaction time (CRT), coincidence-anticipation timing (CAT), and VO2max. No significant differences for age or height were found, although percentage of fat, and weight were statistically different. Active groups were leaner and lighter. VO2max was significantly different between groups, as physically active groups yielded geater values. SRT and CAT also yielded significantly different results with more active participants showing better performance. No between-groups significant differences resulted for CRT. Generally, increased levels of physical activity were related to superior physiological outcomes and improved psychomotor peformance.