The Effect of Different Cadence on Paddling Gross Efficiency and Economy in Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Abstract

<jats:p>Background: Due to the importance of energy efficiency and economy in endurance performance, it is important to know the influence of different paddling cadences on these variables in the stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of paddling at different cadences on the energy efficiency, economy, and physiological variables of international SUP race competitors. Methods: Ten male paddlers (age 28.8 ± 11.0 years; height 175.4 ± 5.1 m; body mass 74.2 ± 9.4 kg) participating in international tests carried out two test sessions. In the first one, an incremental exercise test was conducted to assess maximal oxygen uptake and peak power output (PPO). On the second day, they underwent 3 trials of 8 min each at 75% of PPO reached in the first test session. Three cadences were carried out in different trials randomly assigned between 45–55 and 65 strokes-min−1 (spm). Heart rate (HR), blood lactate, perceived sense of exertion (RPE), gross efficiency, economy, and oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured in the middle (4-min) and the end (8-min) of each trial. Results: Economy (45.3 ± 5.7 KJ·l−1 at 45 spm vs. 38.1 ± 5.3 KJ·l−1 at 65 spm; p = 0.010) and gross efficiency (13.4 ± 2.3% at 45 spm vs. 11.0 ± 1.6% at 65 spm; p = 0.012) was higher during de 45 spm condition than 65 spm in the 8-min. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) presented a lower value at 4-min than at 8-min in 55 spm (4-min, 0.950 ± 0.065 vs. 8-min, 0.964 ± 0.053) and 65 spm cadences (4-min, 0.951 ± 0.030 vs. 8-min, 0.992 ± 0.047; p &lt; 0.05). VO2, HR, lactate, and RPE were lower (p &lt; 0.05) at 45 spm (VO2, 34.4 ± 6.0 mL·kg−1·min−1; HR, 161.2 ± 16.4 beats·min−1; lactate, 3.5 ± 1.0 mmol·l−1; RPE, 6.0 ± 2.1) than at 55 spm (VO2, 38.6 ± 5.2 mL·kg−1·min−1; HR, 168.1 ± 15.1 beats·min−1; lactate, 4.2 ± 1.2 mmol·l−1; RPE, 6.9 ± 1.4) and 65 spm (VO2, 38.7 ± 5.9 mL·kg−1·min−1; HR, 170.7 ± 13.0 beats·min−1; 5.3 ± 1.8 mmol·l−1; RPE, 7.6 ± 1.4) at 8-min. Moreover, lactate and RPE at 65 spm was greater than 55 spm (p &lt; 0.05) at 8-min. Conclusion: International male SUP paddlers were most efficient and economical when paddling at 45 spm vs. 55 or 65 spm, confirmed by lower RPE values, which may likely translate to faster paddling speed and greater endurance.</jats:p>

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

“…Previous findings showed that a lower stroke rate (approximately 45 strokes per minute) was more efficient than a higher stroke rate (55 to 65 strokes per minute) (Castañeda-Babarro et al, 2020). These authors considered the higher cadences to be less effective because they can increase instability and consequently energy consumption (Castañeda-Babarro et al, 2020). Therefore, as the stroke rate was maintained constant throughout the all-out test, it could be suggested that intensity and effort level was constant, as presented by the heart rate values.…”

“…This could also explain the heart rate that remained stable throughout the 30 min effort, reflecting the similar stroke rate used. Previous findings showed that a lower stroke rate (approximately 45 strokes per minute) was more efficient than a higher stroke rate (55 to 65 strokes per minute) (Castañeda-Babarro et al, 2020). These authors considered the higher cadences to be less effective because they can increase instability and consequently energy consumption (Castañeda-Babarro et al, 2020).…”

“…Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in the long-term effects of SUP and investigations tried to improve and optimize training methodologies so that performance can be improved (e.g. Castañeda-Babarro et al, 2020). This way, some usual evaluations that have been used in other sports to monitor training loads have been started to be used in SUP (Balikian et al, 2020).…”

“…Therefore, as the stroke rate was maintained constant throughout the all-out test, it could be suggested that intensity and effort level was constant, as presented by the heart rate values. The fact that the wind was insignificant also helps to these results, otherwise, the effort level would change and heart rate accordingly (Castañeda-Babarro et al, 2020;Suari et al, 2018;Yukawa et al, 2015). So, despite higher-level athletes benefit from lower distance per stroke and more powerful strokes, this will require additional energy expenditure throughout the effort.…”

“…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). Previous studies found improvement in aerobic and anaerobic fitness, multidirectional core strength assessments, and self-rated quality of life in physical and psychological domains after 6 weeks of SUP training (Schram et al, 2016b).…”