A biomechanical analysis of the stand-up paddle board stroke: a comparative study

Abstract

BackgroundStand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing global aquatic sport, with increasing popularity among participants within recreation, competition and rehabilitation. To date, few scientific studies have focused on SUP. Further, there is no research examining the biomechanics of the SUP paddle stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in kinematics existed among experienced and inexperienced SUP participants using three-dimensional motion analysis. This data could be of significance to participants, researchers, coaches and health practitioners to improve performance and inform injury minimization strategies.MethodsA cross-sectional observational design study was performed with seven experienced and 19 inexperienced paddlers whereby whole-body kinematic data were acquired using a six-camera Vicon motion capture system. Participants paddled on a SUP ergometer while three-dimensional range of motion (ROM) and peak joint angles were calculated for the shoulders, elbows, hips and trunk. Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted on the non-normally distributed data to evaluate differences between level of expertise.ResultsSignificant differences in joint kinematics were found between experienced and inexperienced participants, with inexperienced participants using greater overall shoulder ROM (78.9° ± 24.9° vs 56.6° ± 17.3°, p = 0.010) and less hip ROM than the experienced participants (50.0° ± 18.5° vs 66.4° ± 11.8°, p = 0.035). Experienced participants demonstrated increased shoulder motion at the end of the paddle stoke compared to the inexperienced participants (74.9° ± 16.3° vs 35.2° ± 28.5°, p = 0.001 minimum shoulder flexion) and more extension at the elbow (6.0° ± 9.2° minimum elbow flexion vs 24.8° ± 13.5°, p = 0.000) than the inexperienced participants.DiscussionThe results of this study indicate several significant kinematic differences between the experienced and inexperienced SUP participants. These variations in technique were noted in the shoulder, elbow and hip and are evident in other aquatic paddling sports where injury rates are higher in these joints. These finding may be valuable for coaches, therapists and participants needing to maximize performance and minimize injury risk during participation in SUP.

A 30-min test applied to stand-up paddleboarding: A pilot study

“…Regardless of the best method to attain higher performance (speed) -with higher or lower distance per stroke -it is important to pay attention to the movement performed. According to Schram et al (2019), during the paddling movement (paddle entry and exit of the water) the athlete must increase the range of motion of the hip and decrease the range of movement of the shoulder for movement to be more efficient. Any change could be resultant from less efficient technique and therefore, changes in stroke mechanics (i.e.…”

“…Only recently, research has tried to understand physiological and biomechanical issues of SUP in recreational and competitive participants (e.g. Schram et al, 2017;Schram et al, 2019;Balikian et al, 2020). In general, SUP paddle stroke is characterized by a phase of entry of the paddle into the water, an impulse phase, where the paddle is pulled through the water, and finally, a phase of exit of the paddle from the water (Schram et al, 2015).…”

“…In general, SUP paddle stroke is characterized by a phase of entry of the paddle into the water, an impulse phase, where the paddle is pulled through the water, and finally, a phase of exit of the paddle from the water (Schram et al, 2015). Moreover, stroke kinematics was found to be different between experienced and inexperienced participants (Schram et al, 2019). Experienced paddlers rely less on the shoulder and minimum elbow range of motion, but employ more hip flexion (Schram et al, 2019).…”

“…Moreover, stroke kinematics was found to be different between experienced and inexperienced participants (Schram et al, 2019). Experienced paddlers rely less on the shoulder and minimum elbow range of motion, but employ more hip flexion (Schram et al, 2019). So, it seems clear that the stroke technique is different according to the athlete level and this could result in different physiological outcomes (Castañeda-Babarro et al, 2020).…”

Analysis of Stand-up Paddle Boarding: A systematic review (Análisis del Stand Up Paddle. Una revisión sistemática)

“…Of the five articles related to biomechanics found, two of them study the kinematics of the SUP paddle stroke. On the one hand, in the first research conducted by Schram, Furness, Kemp-Smith, Sharp, Cristini, Harvie, Keady, Ghobrial, Tussler, Hing, Nessler & Becker (2019), the kinematics between experienced (7 subjects) and non-experienced (19 subjects) paddlers was compared, finding significant differences in the shoulder, elbow and hip. On the other, Praxedes et al (2019), analysed the technical gesture of the paddle (upper limbs) in two experienced subjects with the intention of looking for similarities in the technical gesture.…”