Analysis of the relationship between the anthropometric characteristics of young kayakers, the paddle set-up and the performance

Abstract

There are several studies describing anthropometric and physiological attributes of elite and young kayakers. However little is known about the equipment set-up associated with the athlete morphology. The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometric characteristics of athletes competing in the level of 15 and 16 years old and its relationship with paddle set-up and performance. Sample included 23 paddlers (15.39 ± 0.46 years) all performed 1000 meters. Physical fitness was assessed by performing a test of sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and handgrip strength. Anthropometric assessment included body mass, stature, sitting height, lengths (arm span, arm, forearm and hand), circumferences (brachial, brachial in maximum contraction and chest) and biacromial diameter. Body composition and upper limb volume in the dominant limb were also assessed. Paddle characteristics assessed were paddle length; blade length; blade width; hand grip distance; frontal blade area; angle between blades and the shaft diameter. Biological maturation was assessed by maturity offset and percentage of predicted mature stature. An association was found between better performances at 1000m and body mass (rho≤0.05), brachial circumference (rho≤0.01), brachial circumference in maximum contraction (rho≤0.01), chest circumference (rho≤0.01), upper limb volume (rho≤0.05), arm volume (rho≤0.01) and pull-ups (rho≤0.01). A predictive model it’s possible to show that 48% of the paddle length is explained by the variation of sitting height, maturity offset or handgrip strength. Statistical differences between the 3 best times vs. 3 worst times performed was establish for training experience (p0.05); body mass (p0.05); brachial circumference (p0.05); brachial circumference in maximum contraction (p0.05); chest circumference (p0.05); arm length (p0.05); angle between blades (p0.05); pull-ups (p0.05) and time at 1000 meters (p0.05). This study offers the anthropometric profile of young male paddler, and reveals that athletes with slightly larger upper body dimensions and better results in pull-up test have better performance at 1000 meters; the regression equations provided could be used more objectively in the initial equipment set-up selection. This information may allow us to explore the feasibility of customizing the dimensions of the paddle, and be used as a guide in the process of talent identification.