Biomechanical Adaptations in Kayakers of Different Competitive Levels and the Relationship with the Kayak Elements

Abstract

A paddler’s characteristics can condition the placement of the elements of the boat. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences among kayakers from different skill levels on their sagittal spine position, hamstring extensibility and anthropometric variables; and to determine which variables could be used to determine the arrangement of the elements in the kayak. Thirty-four male sprint kayakers (8 Olympic-level, 13 from the U-23 national team and 13 amateurs) participated in this study. Anthropometric variables, following the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK); hamstring extensibility, with active and passive straight leg raise test; sagittal spine position in standing position and in the kayak, and the arrangement of the elements of the boat were measured. The groups with a high skill level showed a lower pelvic tilt in attack position in the kayak than amateurs (p ≤ 0.001). The U-23 group had a lower hamstring extensibility than amateurs (p = 0.053–0.013). The distance from the footrest to the different parts of the seat were dependent on the iliospinale measurement (R = 0.896–0.912). In conclusion, there were differences among groups on the sagittal spine position and hamstring extensibility. In addition, the placement of the boat elements was dependent on anthropometric variables, but not on hamstring extensibility or sagittal spine position.

Applied biomechanics within the Kinesiology discipline in higher education

“…Further, an innovative observational model for analyzing kayaking sprint techniques was proposed, breaking down the motion into distinct phases for more nuanced analysis. This model was beneficial in identifying performance discrepancies related to the spinal column's sagittal position and hamstring extensibility among rowers of varying skill levels, underscoring the influence of individual and anthropometric factors on equipment setup [46,47].…”

“…The course emphasizes the application of biomechanics as a scientific research approach at the undergraduate level, making it a fundamental component of sports science education. Students explore biomechanical aspects of specific movements tailored to various sports disciplines such as basketball [36,37], dance sport [38,39], handball [40,41], judo [42,43], football [44], gymnastics [45], kayak [46,47], and swimming [48,49]. This comprehensive study equips them with the necessary knowledge to pursue careers as coaches, kinesiotherapists, or researchers in the fields of sports and human performance.…”

Physical and psychological conditions in kayaking: Strength, flexibility, and motivation

“…The transformation of the shaft rotation force about the rower's vertical axis is a major technical difficulty (Bonaiuto et al, 2020;Li, 2017), and these combinations of movements are continually repeated over long periods of practice (Abelleira-Lamela et al, 2020). When rowing, the body works as a propulsion machine, applying a load equivalent to 40 to 45 kg on the paddle handle or 220 to 250 strokes during the race (Harfield, 2016).…”