What is the effect of compression garments on a balance task in female athletes?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of long leg compression garments on the postural sway and balance ability of female athletes at a state sports institute. DESIGN: A laboratory was set up to analyse kinetic and kinematic variables using a double blind, randomised controlled repeated measures cross over design. METHOD: Participants were required to perform a single leg balance task for up to 60s across six conditions; including eyes-open and eyes-closed while wearing conventional shorts (control), loose-fitted compression garment and well-fitted compression garments. Simultaneous measurements of ground reaction forces and full body joint kinematics were recorded. Postural stability was assessed by measuring the overall stabilisation time as well as the movement of the centre of pressure (CoP) and centre of mass (CoM) from baseline measures. RESULTS: During one leg stance, significantly greater postural stability (p < 0.01) was observed with eyes open vs eyes closed, irrespective of compression group. A significantly greater (p < 0.05) balance time was observed with eyes closed when wearing well-fitted compression garments compared to conventional shorts. Differences were not present with use of the loose-fitted garment. Additionally, a significant interaction effect between compression condition and vision was observed analysing the variation about the sway (swaySD) of the CoP and CoM data (p < 0.05). The interaction effect revealed greater variability of movement with eyes closed as participants' level of compression decreased. No significant differences were observed with eyes open. CONCLUSIONS: The difficulties of postural stability while maintaining the single leg stance wearing conventional shorts were improved with use of the well-fitted compression garments (in the eyes-closed condition). Proper fitted compression garments may be beneficial for injury management and injury prevention.

The dynamics of elite paddling on a kayak simulator.

During kayak paddling, athletes attempt to maximize kayak velocity with the generation of optimal paddle forces. The aim of the current study was to examine ten elite kayakers and identify a number of key biomechanical performance variables during maximal paddling on a custom kayak simulator. These included analysing the effect of side (left and right) and period (beginning, middle, and end of the kayak simulation) on paddle force, paddle angle, mechanical efficiency, and stroke timing data. Paddle kinetics and kinematics were measured with strain gauge force transducers attached to either end of the ergometer paddle and using a 3D motion analysis system respectively. Results indicated a significantly greater mechanical efficiency during the right paddle stroke compared with the left (P < 0.025). In addition, analysing the effect of period, peak paddle force demonstrated a significant reduction when comparing the beginning to the middle and end of the simulated race respectively (P < 0.025). Examination of individual force profiles revealed considerable individuality, with significant variation in the time course of force application. Analysis of the profiles presented may provide meaningful feedback for kayakers and their coaches.

Determinants of kayak paddling performance.

Successful kayak paddling requires a powerful and skilful paddler with an appropriately designed kayak and blade to effectively maximize power to provide forward propulsion and minimize negative drag forces. With a greater understanding of the biomechanical properties and design characteristics of kayaking, coaches and athletes can work towards successful paddling performances. Examination of what is occurring biomechanically under the stress of competition is an important step in improving race times. Since the introduction of kayaking as a sport, an increase in the understanding and research behind the biomechanics of flatwater kayaking has, in part, contributed to improved race times. This information may aid coaches in the development of more specific training programmes for their athletes. It is the purpose of this paper to review previous literature regarding the biomechanical principles of flatwater kayaking and certain design modifications in the context of its application to improving paddling performance.

The metabolic demands of kayaking: a review.

Flat-water kayaking is one of the best-known competitive canoeing disciplines in Australia and across the European countries. From a stationary start, paddlers are required to paddle their kayaks with maximal effort along the length of the competing distance. The ultimate criterion of kayak performance is the time taken to paddle a designated competition distance. In flat-water racing, events are contested over 500 and 1000 metres. To approximate the ultimate criterion over these distances, the velocity of the kayak should be measured. Furthermore, other factors that affect performance, such as force, power, technique and aerobic fitness, would all provide a valuable insight to the success of the kayak paddler. Specific research performed examining the physiological demands on kayak paddlers demonstrate high levels of both aerobic power and anaerobic capacity. It is the purpose if this review to present the published physiological data relating to men's and women's kayaking. With a number of recent publications, a need for an updated review is necessary. The present review summarises recent data on anthropometrics, physiological characteristics of successful and unsuccessful kayak athletes and methods of physiological testing. Due to the fact that more data have been reported for male competitors than for their female counterparts, the demands of kayaking on male athletes will be the main focus for this review. The review also suggests areas for future research into flatwater kayaking performance. Understanding the physiological requirements of kayaking can assist coaches and athletes in a number of ways. During competition or training, such information is helpful in the selection of appropriate protocols and metabolic indices to monitor an athlete's performance improvements and assess an athlete's suitability for a particular race distance. Furthermore, it may aid the coach in the development of more specific training programs for their athletes. Key pointsFlat water kayaking is characterised by exceptional demands on upper body performance.When examining the oxygen consumption, it is notable that although a high value is attainable, they are not quite as high as other sporting events such as road cycling, rowing or running where lower body is dominant.Elite kayakers demonstrate superior aerobic and anaerobic quantities and have reported maximal oxygen consumptions of around 58 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1) (4.7 L·min(-1)) and lactate values of around 12 mM during laboratory and on water testing.