Reliable and sensitive physical testing of elite trapeze sailors

Abstract

It was investigated whether a newly developed discipline-specific test for elite-level trapeze sailors is reliable and sensitive. Furthermore, the physical demands of trapeze sailing were examined. In part 1, 9 national team athletes were accustomed to a simulated sailing test, which subsequently was completed on 4 occasions to determine test reliability and sensitivity to manipulations in body weight. Rope-pulling mean power output (MPO), oxygen consumption (VO ), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate values were acquired in all trials. In part 2, 6 sailors completed on-water racing with concurrent measurements of VO , HR, and blood lactate. VO was determined during an incremental treadmill running test. Typical error, minimal difference, and ICC for average MPO in the test were 1.3%, 1.7%, and 0.99%, respectively. Adding 4 kg of external body weight caused a decrease in average MPO (270 ± 45W vs 265 ± 45W, P < .05) and an increase in VO (2.44 ± 0.23 L·min vs 2.55 ± 0.26 L·min , P < .01). VO , HR, and blood lactate during on-water sailing were 54.5% ± 7.2% VO , 75.1% ± 3.1% HR , and 5.8 ± 2.7 mmol·L , respectively. However, VO and HR were substantially higher for periods of the race as peak values were 83.5% ± 11.4% and 89.9% ± 1.7% of max, respectively. In conclusion, the present test is reliable and sensitive, thus providing a sailing-specific alternative to traditional physical testing of elite trapeze sailors. Additionally, on-water racing requires moderate aerobic energy production, although oxygen consumption can approach maximal levels for short periods of time.

Analysis of the Performance and Sailing Variables of the Optimist Class in a Variety of Wind Conditions

“…Regarding sex, statistically significant differences were only found in the number of manoeuvres in upwind and running, with the boys performing more manoeuvres than the girls. Although it has been observed that the larger the number of manoeuvres that were performed, the greater was the effort required by the sailor [ 12 ], with this action reducing the velocity of the boat [ 21 ], the larger the number of manoeuvres that were performed, the better was the orientation of the boat to reach the buoy [ 13 , 22 ]. This could explain the larger number of manoeuvres in the upwind and running courses performed by the boys compared to the girls.…”

“…Other studies have shown that elite sailors complete the course using a shorter distance [ 9 , 10 ]. Where manoeuvres are concerned, studies have shown that the most successful sailors perform fewer upwind manoeuvres [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Analysis on the characteristics and relationships of lower limbs strength and power of sailors in different positions and levels

“…The purposes of the sailors in both positions are to counter the tilting moment generated by the wind on the sails and correct the position of the boat to improve its speed and performance. The movement patterns and postures maintenance of hiking and trapezing require strong strength and power support [4,5], so it is necessary to evaluate the performance profiles of lower limbs strength and power in sailors.…”