Do lower limb deficiencies interfere with the recruitment of the trunk and upper limb muscles of paracanoe athletes?

ABSTRACT

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to compare the recruitment of the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, triceps (long head), and latissimus dorsi muscles during rowing, in paracanoe and canoe athletes. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, with ethical approval, including a sample of five paraplegic athletes, four lower limb amputees, and four athletes without disabilities. Surface electromyography of the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, triceps (long head), and latissimus dorsi muscles. The athletes rowed for three minutes in an ergometer kayak. The Root Mean Square (RMS) signal of the second minute of data collection, normalized by the RMS peak (% RMS), was considered for analysis. Results: The results of paraplegic athletes, amputees, and athletes without disabilities were similar, as follows; the anterior deltoid: 10.81 ± 3.1; 9.6 ± 3.13 and 9.92 ± 3.12 (p = 0.83), pectoralis major: 7.71 ± 0.66; 8.66 ± 0.66 and 8.53 ± 2.62 (p = 0.72), long head of the triceps: 8.41 ± 3.05; 4.79 ± 1.2 and 6.66 ± 1.01 (p = 0.08), and latissimus dorsi: 8.18 ± 1.97; 6.39 ± 2.64 and 6.95 ± 1.64 (p = 0.45). Conclusion: Paracanoe and canoe athletes present similar muscle recruitment of the upper limbs and trunk during rowing.