Anthropometric and physiological profiles of highly trained sailors in various positions and levels.

This study aimed to analyze anthropometric and physiological profiles of highly trained sailors and the differences between sailors regarding various training levels. Forty-two sailors (22 male, 22.4 ± 3.8 years; 20 females, 21.3 ± 3.6 years) were divided into helmsmen and crew groups, and the high- and low-level were distinguished. Sailors completed height, sitting height, legs length, weight, BMI, VO2max, 30 s all-out sprint, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump, bench pull, core endurance tests. The results showed the crew had higher height, sitting height, weight, VO2max and lower trunk flexor endurance test times compared to the helmsmen (p < 0.05). The helmsmen had higher relative peak power/force in the 30 s all-out sprint and IMTP tests compared to the crew, whereas the crew had better absolute strength in bench pull, with significant differences between female sailors (p < 0.05). The high-level sailors showed more sailing experience than low-level sailors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, highly trained crew tend to be taller and heavier, while helmsmen have better trunk flexor endurance. For female sailors, helmsmen have better lower-body power and strength and crew have better upper-body strength. Sailing experience is a reliable variable to distinguish sailors' levels. The specific anthropometric and physiological profiles of sailors in various positions can assist sailing coaches in athlete selection and intervention training.

Dominant Somatotype Development in Relation to Body Composition and Dietary Macronutrient Intake among High-Performance Athletes in Water, Cycling and Combat Sports.

Relevant properties of the somatotype as important indicators can be associated with the body composition characteristics as well as both metabolic and bio-mechanical efficiency of athletes in the sport concerned. The primary aim of this single cross-sectional study was to determine the somatotype profiles in association with body composition and nutritional profiles among Lithuanian elite athletes (n = 189) involved in water, cycling and combat sports. The body composition along with the somatotype profiles and the nutritional status of athletes were evaluated using a battery of multiple frequency (5, 50, 250, 550, and 1000 kHz) bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and a 3-day food record analysis. In terms of the prediction for athletes to be classified as endomorphs, mesomorphs or ectomorphs, the linear discriminant analysis was conducted to assess the grouping of samples. Both the multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression statistical analyses were performed to explore the associations between the independent and dependent variables. The central tendency values for the somatotype components of endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy in athletes playing water, cycling and combat sports were 4.3-4.9-3.4, 4.3-4.8-3.4 and 4.5-5.5-2.9, respectively. The central mesomorph somatotype with a trend towards endomorphy was dominant and varied according to a high muscle-to-fat ratio in elite athletes. Significant (p ≤ 0.001) positive associations between both endomorphy and mesomorphy values and higher body fat percentage as well as lower and upper limb muscle mass were identified. The lower levels of trunk muscle mass were related to athletes' endomorphy and mesomorphy, too. Furthermore, in the athletes' sample under analysis, high-level mesomorphs were prone to consume low-carbohydrate (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) 0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2; 0.9) and high-protein diets (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1; 5.5). Contrastingly, the elite athletes with a higher expression of endomorphy were on high-carbohydrate (AOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.1; 8.3) and high-fat diets (AOR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5; 7.1) along with insufficient protein diet (AOR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1; 0.9). Finally, whilst nutrition goals as a mediator can play a significant role in undergoing the maintenance of balance between the optimal body composition for athletic performance and the development of an ecto-mesomorphic somatotype, the elite athletes with higher levels of endomorphy value should be aware of lowering the body fat percentage coupled with dietary fat reduction and higher protein intakes. The findings obtained from the study may serve as an antecedent for a more targeted management of the elite athletes' training process. Somatotyping as an additional assessment method can be successfully deployed in choosing correct coaching techniques, contributing to talent recognition processes or identifying reference morphometric parameters in elite athletes competing in water, cycling and combat sports.

Surface Electromyography Data Analysis for Evaluation of Physical Exercise Habits between Athletes and Non-Athletes during Indoor Rowing.

In this paper, surface electromyography (sEMG) is used to gather the activation neural signal from muscles during an indoor rowing exercise. The exercise was performed by professional athletes and amateur non-athletes. The data acquisition and processing are described to obtain a set of parameters: number of cycles, average cycle time, cycle time standard deviation, fatigue time, muscle activation time, and muscle energy. These parameters are used to draw conclusions on common non-athletes' mistakes during exercise for better training advice and a way of statistically distinguishing an athlete from a non-athlete.

Five-Week, Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Rowing Improves V̇ o2 max in Elite Rowers.

ABSTRACT: Held, S, Rappelt, L, Rein, R, Deutsch, J-P, Wiedenmann, T, and Donath, L. Five-week, low-intensity, blood flow restriction rowing improves V̇ o2 max in elite rowers. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): e299-e303, 2024-This controlled intervention study examined the effects of low-intensity rowing with blood flow restriction (BFR) on maximal oxygen uptake (V̇ o2 max), peak power output during ramp testing (PPO), and 2000-m time trial performance (P2k). Eleven, highly elite, male rowers (22.1 ± 1.6 years; 92.6 ± 3.8 kg; 1.93 ± 0.04 m; 7.9. ± 2.2 years rowing experience; 20.4 ± 2.0 h·w -1 training volume; 11.9 ± 1.1 session per week) trained 5 weeks without BFR (Base) followed by a 5-week BFR intervention period. BFR of the lower limb was applied through customized elastic wraps. BFR took place 3 times a week (accumulated net pBFR: 60 min·wk -1 ; occlusion per session: 2 times 10 min·session -1 ) and was used exclusively at low intensities (<2 mmol·L -1 ). V̇ o2 max, PPO, and P2k were examined before, between, and after both intervention periods. Bayesian's credible intervals revealed relevantly increased V̇ o2 max +0.30 L·min -1 (95% credible interval: +0.00 to +0.61 L·min -1 ) adaptations through BFR. By contrast, PPO +14 W (-6 to +34 W) and P2k -5 W (-14 to +3 W) were not noticeably affected by the BFR intervention. This study revealed that 15 sessions of BFR application with a cumulative total BFR load of 5 h over a 5-week macrocycle increased V̇ o2 max remarkably. Thus, pBFR might serve as a promising tool to improve aerobic capacity in highly trained elite rowers.

Sequential Mapping of Game Patterns in Men and Women Professional Padel Players.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the sequences of actions in professional men and women padel players to identify common game patterns. METHODS: The sample comprised 17,557 stroke-by-stroke actions (N = 1640 rallies) of the championship World Padel Tour. Multistep Markov chains were used to calculate the conditional probabilities of occurrence of actions during the rally. RESULTS: Results revealed that men's and women's padel is mainly defined by 36 patterns constituting 55% and 63% of all actions in the game, respectively, with the 10 most common sequences accounting for 42% to 45% of the game. There were recurrent technical-tactical actions with specific offensive and defensive functions that were constantly reiterated during the rallies. In men, the use of smash, volley, bandeja, direct, back wall, back-wall lobs, and direct lobs followed a foreseeable pattern up to 8 lags, whereas women described predictable interactions for volley, bandeja, direct, lobs, and direct lobs up to 5 lags and for smash and back wall up to 4 lags. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of padel players to recall these patterns and enhance their anticipation skills may potentially improve their performance. These findings contribute to a better knowledge of professional padel game dynamics while providing coaches and players with useful information to optimize training and decision-making strategies.

Impact of a short-term nitrate and citrulline co-supplementation on sport performance in elite rowers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

PURPOSE: Citrulline (CIT) and beetroot extract (BR) have separately shown benefits in rowing performance-related outcomes. However, effects of combined supplementation remain to be elucidated. The main purpose of this research was to study the effects of 1 week of daily co-supplementation of 3.5 g BR (500 mg NO3-) plus 6 g CIT on aerobic performance, maximal strength, and high-intensity power and peak stroke in elite male rowers compared to a placebo and to a BR supplementation. METHODS: 20 elite rowers participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial completing 1 week of supplementation in each group of study: Placebo group (PLAG); BR group (BRG); and BR + CIT group (BR-CITG). 3 main physical tests were performed: aerobic performance, Wingate test and CMJ jump, and metabolic biomarkers and physiological outcomes were collected. RESULTS: The Wingate all-out test showed no between-condition differences in peak power, mean power, relative power, or fatigue index (P > 0.05), but clearance of lactate was better in BR-CITG (P < 0.05). In the performance test, peak power differed only between PLAG and BR-CITG (P = 0.036), while VO2peak and maximum heart rate remained similar. CMJ jumping test results showed no between-condition differences, and blood samples were consistent (P > 0.200). CONCLUSION: Supplementation with 3.5 g of BR extract plus 6 g of CIT for 7 days improved lactate clearance after Wingate test and peak power in a performance test. No further improvements were found, suggesting longer period of supplementation might be needed to show greater benefits.

The acute effects of kinesio-taping on movement kinematics and muscle co-activation in rowing athletes.

BACKGROUND: Rowing-related low back disorders may occur from inconsistent technique, high trunk flexion and training volumes, overactivation of paraspinal muscles, and fatigue. OBJECTIVE: To examine if kinesiology tape (KT) affixed to the trunk dorsum affects muscular co-activation and neuromuscular control to limit dangerous rowing movements and associated injuries. METHODS: Participants (n= 18) completed two 2000 m rowing trials under BASELINE and KT conditions. KT was applied to the skin superficial to the paraspinals bilaterally with 60% pre-strain. Participants were instructed to minimize any sensation of tension. Whole body kinematics were obtained using inertial measurement units (IMUs), and surface electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from trunk and lower extremity. Changes in joint range-of-motion (ROM) and co-activation indices (CAIs) were analyzed for shoulder, lumbar, hip, and knee. RESULTS: Responding participants (n= 5) were identified by reduced maximum lumbar flexion during the KT condition. As expected, significant differences occurred in maximum and minimum lumbar flexion/extension between responders and non-responders to KT. Additionally, there was significant reduction in mean trunk muscle co-activation in both those who did and did not respond to KT through reductions in maximum lumbar flexion. CONCLUSION: KT can be an effective at reducing mean trunk co-activation during a rowing trial in the flexed catch position. Variable responses suggest that further work is necessary to optimize the efficacy of sensory cues derived from KT during rowing movements.

Rowing and pain: does rowing lead to exercise-induced hypoalgesia?

Physical activity acutely alters pain processing known as exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). This randomized controlled crossover study investigated the effects of two different rowing exercises on EIH and to explore whether possible EIH effects are related to individual rowing specific performance. Fifty male experienced rowers conducted two rowing sessions (submaximal: 30 min of moderate rowing (70% of maximum heart rate); maximal: 350 m in an all-out fashion) and a control session. Pre and post exercise pain sensitivity was measured bilaterally using pressure pain thresholds (PPT; Newton (N)) at the elbow, knee, ankle, sternum, and forehead. Individual performance was determined as maximum watt/kg and was tested for correlations with changes in PPT. Higher PPT values were observed after maximal exercise at all landmarks with a mean change ranging from 2.5 ± 7.8 N (right elbow; p = 0.027; dz = 0.323) to 10.0 ± 12.2 N (left knee; p ≤ 0.001; dz = 0.818). The submaximal (range from -1.6 ± 8.8 N (Sternum; p = 0.205; dz = 0.182) to 2.0 ± 10.3 N (right ankle; p = 0.176; dz = 0.194)) and control session (range from -0.5 ± 7.6 N (left elbow; p = 0.627; dz = 0.069) to 2.6 ± 9.1 N (right ankle; p = 0.054; dz = 0.279)) did not induce changes. Relative performance levels were not correlated to EIH (range from: r = -0.129 (p = 0.373) at sternum to r = 0.176 (p = 0.221) at left knee). EIH occurred globally after a short maximal rowing exercise while no effects occurred after rowing for 30 min at submaximal intensity. EIH cannot be explained by rowing specific performance levels in experienced rowers. However, the sample may lack sufficient heterogeneity in performance levels to draw final conclusions.

Nociceptive Processing of Elite Athletes Varies between Sport-Specific Loads: An EEG-Based Study Approach.

INTRODUCTION: For the downstream nociceptive processing of elite athletes, recent studies indicate that athletes probably tolerate more pain as compared with a normally active population. Phenotyping the nociceptive processing of athletes in different types of endurance sports can provide insight into training-specific effects, which may help in understanding the long-term effects of specific exercise. METHODS: Twenty-six elite endurance athletes from the disciplines of rowing, triathlon, and running and 26 age- and sex-matched, recreationally active control subjects who participated in the subjective pain perception and processing of standardized noxious stimuli were investigated by EEG. This included standardized heat pain thresholds (HPT) and contact heat-evoked potentials from heat stimulation, measured with EEG as well as pinprick-evoked potentials from mechanical stimulation. RESULTS: After noxious stimulation, athletes showed a higher activation of the event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) patterns in the N2P2 EEG response at the Cz Electrode compared with the controls. After noxious contact heat stimulation, triathletes had a higher ERSP activation compared with the controls, whereas the rowers had a higher ERSP activation after noxious mechanical stimulation. Also, HPT in triathletes were increased despite their increased central activation after thermal stimulation. We found a correlation between increased HPT and training hours and years, although athletes did not differ within these variables. CONCLUSIONS: Although we were able to identify differences between athletes of different endurance sports, the reasons and implications of these differences remain unclear. The study of sport-specific somatosensory profiles may help to understand the mechanisms of exercise-related long-term effects on pain processing and perception. Furthermore, sport-specific somatosensory effects may support the personalization of exercise interventions and identify risk factors for chronic pain in elite athletes.

Shifting the Energy Toward Los Angeles: Comparing the Energetic Contribution and Pacing Approach Between 2000- and 1500-m Maximal Ergometer Rowing.

PURPOSE: To compare the energetic contribution and pacing in 2000- and 1500-m maximal rowing-ergometer performances. METHODS: On separate visits (>48 h apart, random order), 18 trained junior (16.7 [0.4] y) male rowers completed 3 trials: a 7 × 4-minute graded exercise test, a 2000-m time trial (TT2000), and a 1500-m TT (TT1500). Respiratory gases were continuously measured throughout each trial. The submaximal power-to-oxygen-consumption relationship from the graded exercise test was used to determine the accumulated oxygen deficit for each TT. Differences in mean power output (MPO), relative anaerobic contribution, percentage of peak oxygen uptake, pacing index, maximum heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate concentration were assessed using linear mixed modeling. RESULTS: Compared to TT2000 (324 [24] W), MPO was 5.2% (3.3%) higher in TT1500 (341 [29 W]; P < .001, ηp2=.70). There was a 4.9% (3.3%) increase (P < .001, ηp2=.71) in anaerobic contribution from 17.3% (3.3%) (TT2000) to 22.2% (4.3%) (TT1500). Compared to TT1500, maximum heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate concentration were all greater (P < .05) in TT2000. The pacing index was not different between trials. Percentage increase in MPO from TT2000 to TT1500 was negatively associated with pacing variance in TT1500 (R2 = .269, P = .027). CONCLUSIONS: Maximal ergometer performance over 1500 m requires a significantly greater anaerobic contribution compared with 2000 m. Junior male athletes adopt a consistent pacing strategy across both distances. However, those who experienced greater percentage increases in MPO over the shorter test adopted a more even pacing strategy. To prepare for 1500-m performance, greater emphasis should be placed on developing capacity for work in the severe domain and completing race simulations with a more even pacing strategy.

Physiological characteristics of a 92-yr-old four-time world champion indoor rower.

This study assessed the physiological, performance, nutritional intake, and training characteristics of a 92-yr-old four-time master world champion indoor male rower. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance. Oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, ventilation, and heart rate were measured at rest and during a 2,000-m time trial on a rowing ergometer. Maximal power was assessed to compute anaerobic power reserve. Training included ≈ 30 km/wk on the rowing ergometer. Herein, 70% of distances were covered at light intensities (RPE, 10-12), 20% at hard (RPE, 13-17), and 10% at near maximal or maximal (RPE, 17-20). Resistance training was performed during ≈ 2 sessions/wk, and involved three sets of dumbbell lunges, rows, and curls, respectively, taken close (or to) failure. Dietary intake was high in protein [2.3 ± 0.1 g·kg-1 lean body mass (LBM)], conferring a caloric intake of 33.4 ± 1.7 kcal·kg-1 LBM. The participant demonstrated muscle mass of 47.7 kg, fat mass of 9.1 kg (15.4% body fat), forced vital capacity of 3.36 L, time constant (τ) to steady state of 30.2 s, peak relative oxygen pulse of 0.18 ([mL·O2/beats/min]/kg), peak heart rate of 153 beats/min, and maximum power of 220 W (140 W anaerobic power reserve). This 92-yr-old athlete demonstrated remarkably fast oxygen uptake kinetics, akin to values for a healthy young adult, indicating well-developed and/or maintained cardiopulmonary function. The high values for cardiopulmonary function, muscle mass, metabolic efficiency, and maximum power output may infer the pliability of these systems to maintain high functionality at an advanced age.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this study is the first to characterize the physiological attributes of a competitive rower (4-time master world champion) at an advanced age (≥ 85 yr). The participant demonstrated a high muscle mass (47.7 kg; 80.6% body mass), maximal power (220 W), and exceptional oxygen uptake kinetics (τ of 30.2 s), similar to values reported for healthy young adults.

A Wireless Rowing Measurement System for Improving the Rowing Performance of Athletes.

The rowing technique is a key factor in the overall rowing performance. Nowadays the athletes' performance is so advanced that even small differences in technique can have an impact on sport competitions. To further improve the athletes' performance, individualized rowing is necessary. This can be achieved by intelligent measurement technology that provides direct feedback. To address this issue, we developed a novel wireless rowing measurement system (WiRMS) that acquires rowing movement and measures muscle activity using electromyography (EMG). Our measurement system is able to measure several parameters simultaneously: the rowing forces, the pressure distribution on the scull, the oar angles, the seat displacement and the boat acceleration. WiRMS was evaluated in a proof-of-concept study with seven experienced athletes performing a training on water. Evaluation results showed that WiRMS is able to assess the rower's performance by recording the rower's movement and force applied to the scull. We found significant correlations (p < 0.001) between stroke rate and drive-to-recovery ratio. By incorporating EMG data, a precise temporal assignment of the activated muscles and their contribution to the rowing motion was possible. Furthermore, we were able to show that the rower applies the force to the scull mainly with the index and middle fingers.

Physiological and Mechanical Responses to a Graded Exercise Test in Traditional Rowing.

Maximum oxygen consumption and maximum power output are critical measures for training prescription in endurance sports such as rowing. The objective of this investigation was twofold: to compare the physiological and mechanical responses of female and male traditional rowers during a graded exercise test and to establish reference values in this specific rowing modality that have not yet been documented, unlike in Olympic rowing. Twenty-one highly trained/national level rowers participated in the study: 11 female (age: 30.1 ± 10.6 years, height: 167.3 ± 5.0 cm, body mass: 61.9 ± 4.9 kg) and 10 males (age: 33.5 ± 6.6 years, height: 180.8 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 74.4 ± 6.9 kg). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in rowing performance between sexes, with a very large effect size (d = 7.2). The peak power output for the female rowers was 180.9 ± 11.4 W and 287.0 ± 17.7 W for the male rowers. The female rowers reached a VO2max of 51.2 ± 6.6 mL/kg/min at a mean of 174.5 ± 12.9 W, while the males' VO2max was 62.1 ± 4.7 mL/kg/min at a mean of 280.0 ± 20.5 W. These differences in VO2max and maximal aerobic capacity were significant (p < 0.05), with a large (d = 1.9) and very large (d = 6.2) effect size, respectively. A moderate association between VO2max, and rowing performance expressed in watts per kilogram of muscle mass was observed in the female rowers (r = 0.40, p = 0.228). For the male rowers, the correlation between VO2max and relative peak power output in watts per kilogram of body mass was strong (r = 0.68; p = 0.031). This study highlights the differences in the kinetics of ventilatory and mechanical parameters between female and male rowers and the importance of these differences for specific physical preparation in traditional rowing.

Beneficial Performance Effects of Training Load Intensification Can Be Abolished by Functional Overreaching: Lessons From a Water Polo Study in Female Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Brisola, GMP, Dutra, YM, Murias, JM, and Zagatto, AM. Beneficial performance effects of training load intensification can be abolished by functional overreaching: Lessons from a water polo study in female athletes. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): e391-e402, 2023-The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes from 2 weeks of training load intensification strategy in female water polo players diagnosed with functional overreaching (F-OR) with no F-OR players (acute fatigue) on the performance outcomes and hormonal, immunological, and cardiac autonomic nervous system responses. Twenty-two female water polo players were allocated into control and intensification group during 7 weeks. The swimming performance, biochemical parameters, heart rate variability, profile of mood states, and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms were assessed twice before and twice after 2 weeks of intensification period. F-OR showed a worsening in total time of the repeated sprint ability (RSA) test compared with the control group and the acute fatigue group after intensification ( p ≤ 0.035). Furthermore, after the tapering period, the F-OR group maintained worse total time of the RSA test than the acute fatigue group ( p = 0.029). In addition, the acute fatigue group showed improvement in total time of the RSA test after intensification compared with the control group ( p < 0.001). No significant interactions were found for the other parameters. Therefore, periods of intensification without the F-OR development can promote higher gains in the total time of the RSA test after intensification and tapering period.

Quantifying Paddling Kinematics through Muscle Activation and Whole Body Coordination during Maximal Sprints of Different Durations on a Kayak Ergometer: A Pilot Study.

Paddling technique and stroke kinematics are important performance factors in flatwater sprint kayaking and entail significant energetic demands and a high strength from the muscles of the trunk and upper limbs. The various distances completed (from 200 m to 1000 m) require the athletes to optimize their pacing strategy, to maximize power output distribution throughout the race. This study aimed to characterize paddling technique and stroke kinematics during two maximal sprints of different duration. Nine nationally-trained participants (2 females, age: 18 ± 3 years; BMI: 22.2 ± 2.0 Kg m-1) performed 40 s and 4 min sprints at maximal intensity on a kayak ergometer. The main findings demonstrated a significantly greater mean stroke power (237 ± 80 W vs. 170 ± 48 W; p < 0.013) and rate (131 ± 8 spm vs. 109 ± 7 spm; p < 0.001) during the 40 s sprint compared to the 4 min sprint. Athletes used an all-out strategy for the 40 s exercise and a parabolic-shape strategy during the 4 min exercise. Despite the different strategies implemented and the higher muscular activation during the 40 s sprint, no change in paddling technique and body coordination occurred during the sprints. The findings of the present study suggest that the athletes constructed a well-defined profile that was not affected by fatigue, despite a decrease in power output during the all-out strategy. In addition, they regulated their paddling kinematics during the longer exercises, with no change in paddling technique and body coordination.

Measures of Physical Fitness Improve Prediction of Kayak and Canoe Sprint Performance in Young Kayakers and Canoeists.

ABSTRACT: Gäbler, M, Prieske, O, Elferink-Gemser, MT, Hortobágyi, T, Warnke, T, and Granacher, U. Measures of physical fitness improve prediction of kayak and canoe sprint performance in young kayakers and canoeists. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1264-1270, 2023-Markers of talent selection and predictors of performance in canoe and kayak sprint are not yet well defined. We aimed to determine the combination of variables (i.e., demographic, anthropometric, and physical fitness) that most accurately predicts sprint performance (i.e., 500- and 2000-m race time) in semielite, young kayakers and canoeists ( n = 39, age 13 year, 10F). The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Linear regression analyses identified boat type (i.e., kayak or canoe), skeletal muscle mass, and average power during a 2-minute bench pull test, normalized to body mass, as predictors of 2000-m race time (R 22000 m = 0.69, Akaike information criterion [AIC] = 425) and together with vertical jump height, as predictors of 500-m race time (R 2500 m = 0.87, AIC = 255). This was an improvement over models containing solely demographic variables (R 2500 m = 0.66, AIC = 293; R 22000 m = 0.44, AIC = 446) and over models containing demographic and anthropometric variables (R 2500m = 0.79, AIC = 277; R 22000 m = 0.56, AIC = 437). Race time showed the strongest semipartial correlations with the 2-minute bench pull test (0.7 ≤ r ≤ 0.9). Adding physical fitness data (i.e., 2-minute bench pull test) to demographic and anthropometric data improves the prediction accuracy of race times in young kayak and canoe athletes. The characteristics of physical fitness tests should resemble as much as possible the biomechanical (e.g., prime movers) and metabolic (e.g., duration) demands of the sport.

Influence of core training on the ability of control and balance in surfers / A influência do treino de core sobre a capacidade do controle e equilíbrio em surfistas / La influencia del entrenamiento del núcleo en la capacidad de control y equilibrio en los surfistas

ABSTRACT Introduction Surfing depends mainly on the driving force resulting from wave oscillations. Athletes need to paddle in the wave zone and complete the competition actions in the most robust section on the wave walls. This requires extreme balance skills, which can be strengthened with specific training. Among them, it is believed that core training could be beneficial. Objective To study the influence of training on a stable and unstable platform on the regulation of the surfer's orthostatic posture under balance disturbance. Methods Members of the Hainan National Surf Training Team were volunteers for the experiment; their physical training methods, memory training, and effects evaluation were analyzed. Results 90% of athletes manage to complete the balance control in a short-term autonomous position on the balance board in 1 week; their progress also depends on the training duration, times, and intervals; the progression rule lies according to the literary theory of sports training. Conclusion With the further extension of the balance board training cycle, it is believed that athletes' ability to control balance and real competition comprehensive capabilities will continue to increase, the overall technical level and stability of their performance will be even greater. Evidence level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the results.

RESUMO Introdução O surfe depende principalmente da força motriz resultante das oscilações nas ondas. Os atletas precisam remar na zona de ondas e completar as ações da competição na seção mais forte nas paredes das ondas. Isso exige extrema habilidade de equilíbrio, que pode ser fortalecida com treinos específicos. Dentre eles, acredita-se que o treino de core poderia ser benéfico. Objetivo Estudar a influência do treino em plataforma estável e instável na regulação da postura ortostática do surfista sob perturbação do equilíbrio. Métodos Membros da Equipe Nacional de Treinamento de Surf de Hainan foram voluntários do experimento, foram analisados os seus métodos de treino físico, treino de memória e avaliação dos efeitos. Resultados 90% dos atletas conseguem completar o controle de equilíbrio em uma posição autônoma de curto prazo na prancha de equilíbrio em 1 semana, a velocidade de seu progresso também depende da duração do treino, tempos e intervalos, a regra da progressão encontra-se de acordo com a teoria literária do treino esportivo. Conclusão Com a extensão adicional do ciclo de treino da prancha de equilíbrio, acredita-se que a capacidade dos atletas no controle do equilíbrio e capacidades abrangentes de competição reais continuarão a aumentar, o nível técnico geral e a estabilidade de seu desempenho serão ainda mais aprimorados. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação de resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción El surf depende principalmente de la fuerza motriz resultante de las oscilaciones de las olas. Los deportistas necesitan remar en la zona de la ola y completar las acciones de la competición en la sección más robusta de las paredes de la ola. Para ello, es necesario contar con habilidades de equilibrio extremas, que pueden reforzarse con un entrenamiento específico. Entre ellas, se cree que el entrenamiento del núcleo podría ser beneficioso. Objetivo Estudiar la influencia del entrenamiento en una plataforma estable e inestable sobre la regulación de la postura ortostática del surfista bajo una perturbación del equilibrio. Métodos Los miembros del Equipo Nacional de Entrenamiento de Surf de Hainan fueron voluntarios para el experimento; se analizaron sus métodos de entrenamiento físico, el entrenamiento de la memoria y la evaluación de los efectos. Resultados El 90% de los atletas consiguen completar el control del equilibrio en una posición autónoma a corto plazo en la tabla de equilibrio en 1 semana; su progreso también depende de la duración del entrenamiento, los tiempos y los intervalos; la regla de progresión se encuentra según la teoría literaria del entrenamiento deportivo. Conclusión Con la ampliación del ciclo de entrenamiento en la tabla de equilibrio, se cree que la capacidad de los atletas para controlar el equilibrio y las capacidades integrales de la competición real seguirán aumentando, el nivel técnico general y la estabilidad de su rendimiento serán aún mayores. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Association of Anthropometrics and Body Composition with Maximal and Relative Force and Power of Kayak Stroke in Competitive Kayak Athletes.

This study determined to what degree anthropometrics and body composition are associated with force and power outputs of a single-stroke kayak test (SSKT). Body height (BH), sitting height, biacromial distance, arm span, stroke length, body mass index (BMI), percent of skeletal muscle mass (PSMM), skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), percent body fat (PBF) and maximal and relative force (SSKTFmax and SSKTFrel) and power (SSKTPmax and SSKTPrel) of the SSKT were assessed in 21 male kayak competitors, including sprint specialists and long-distance specialists. Correlation analysis established the association (p < 0.05) between SSKTFmax and BM (r = 0.511), BMI (r = 0.495) and SMMI (r = 0.530). A significant correlation (p < 0.05) also occurred between SSKTPmax and BMI (r = 0.471) and SMMI (r = 0.489). Regression analysis determined a significant association of the anthropometrics−body composition model of kayakers with SSKTFmax (R2 = 0.790), SSKTFRel (R2 = 0.748), SSKTPmax (R2 = 0.676) and SSKTPrel (R2 = 0.625). A longer and wider upper body supported by higher amounts of skeletal muscle mass per square of body size provides higher force outcomes in a complex single-handed SSKT, while the PSMM provides higher outcomes in SSKTPmax.

Acute physiological comparison of sub-maximal exercise on a novel adapted rowing machine and arm crank ergometry in people with a spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Non-randomized crossover trial. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the oxygen uptake during exercise using the Adapted ROWing machine (AROW) compared to the more commonly used Arm Crank Ergometry (ACE) for people with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) with or without trunk stability. SETTING: Canada, Vancouver. METHODS: Participants were from a convenience sample of 14 adults with SCI/D (age 21-63 y) which include those with lumbar to low cervical impairments currently exercising at least once per week using cardiovascular exercise equipment at our Physical Activity Research Centre. The interventions were non-randomized steady-state exercise bouts at self-selected low and moderate workloads on the AROW and ACE for 5 min each. Our primary outcomes were the rate of oxygen consumption (mL/kg/min) and the Borg 0-10 Rating Scale of Perceived Exertion (RPE). RESULTS: A repeated measures two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) indicated that exercising on the AROW resulted significantly greater oxygen consumption and perceived exertion than ACE at similar sub-maximal workloads which may be explained by the differences in efficiency between the devices (Partial eta squared = 0.84, F stat = 48.25; Partial eta squared = 0.86, F stat = 53.54). CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that this form of upper extremity exercise had a greater RPE and VO2 on the ACE at a given workload. Thus, the AROW could provide a functional upper extremity workout that can be used for daily exercise for those with varying levels of SCI.