Novel paddle stroke analysis for elite slalom kayakers: Relationship with force parameters

Abstract

This study was divided into two complementary parts. In Part 1, we proposed a novel paddle strokes analysis based on the force signal from a 30-s all-out tethered test; and compared these results with video recordings. In Part 2, we investigated the relationship between force data from the same test with paddle stroke results from both methods. Eleven male elite slalom kayakers (Brazilian national team) were evaluated. The tethered test was conducted for force parameters analysis (peak-force, mean-force, impulse). Video recording analysis was conducted, and the performed strokes (V.NumberPaddle) was counted and frequency (V.FrequencyPaddle) calculated by the V.NumberPaddle divided by 30 (i.e. total time of test). The new method consisted of performed strokes and frequency achievement from a load cell force signal analysis (S.NumberPaddle and S.FrequencyPaddle, respectively). Paired test-t did not show difference between methods results, but significant correlations were only obtained for the number of paddle strokes. Force parameters were only correlated with S.NumberPaddle and S.FrequencyPaddle. Overall, considering the theoretical and practical application, we propose that the new method should be used as an alternative to the video recording.

Application of Instrumented Paddles in Measuring On-Water Kinetics of Front and Back Paddlers in K2 Sprint Kayaking Crews of Various Ability Levels

“…Among the 74 participants, an average of 77 (SD = 5) strokes were analysed. The variables can be classified into force, power, and temporal variables ( Figure 4), with reference from previous studies and recommendations [1,2,11,15,16]. For each stroke, the following force, power, and temporal variables were extracted:…”

Mechanical Work and Physiological Responses to Simulated Flat Water Slalom Kayaking

“…Results highlighted similarity in aerobic and anaerobic contribution (50–50%, respectively) between conditions even though total energy expenditure was about 30% greater during the all-out flatwater test. Despite the acknowledgment of the importance of power-meters ( Sperlich and Klauck, 1992 ; Messias et al, 2018 ) and the recent validation of devices capable of recording power output during kayaking ( Macdermid and Fink, 2017 ), no published description of the physical work demand produced by paddlers during course negotiation has occurred.…”

Comparison of Aerobic and Muscular Power Between Junior/U23 Slalom and Sprint Paddlers: An Analysis of International Medalists and Non-medalists

“…Canoe sprint and canoe slalom are sports that have been included in the summer Olympic Games since Berlin (1936) and Barcelona (1992), respectively ( International Canoe Federation, 2020 ). Paddling technique along with high force development plays a crucial role for high performance on slalom ( Zamparo et al, 2006 ; Messias et al, 2014 , 2015 , 2018 ; Baláš et al, 2020 ) and sprint ( Michael et al, 2008 ; Pickett et al, 2018 ) canoeing. Studies also suggest an inverse association between aerobic metabolism and race time for both ( Borges et al, 2015 ; Ferrari et al, 2017 ).…”