Prediction of Simulated 1,000 m Kayak Ergometer Performance in Young Athletes

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a predictive explanatory model for the 1,000-m time-trial (TT) performance in young national-level kayakers, from biomechanical and physiological parameters assessed in a maximal graded exercise test (GXT). Twelve young male flat-water kayakers (age 16.1 ± 1.1 years) participated in the study. The design consisted of 2 exercise protocols, separated by 48 h, on a kayak ergometer. The first protocol consisted of a GXT starting at 8 km.h^-1 with increments in speed of 1 km.h^-1 at each 2-min interval until exhaustion. The second protocol comprised the 1,000-m TT. Results: In the GXT, they reached an absolute $\stackrel{\bullet }{V}$O_2max of 3.5 ± 0.7 (L.min^-1), a maximum aerobic power (MAP) of 138.5 ± 24.5 watts (W) and a maximum aerobic speed (MAS) of 12.8 ± 0.5 km/h. The TT had a mean duration of 292.3 ± 15 s, a power output of 132.6 ± 22.0 W and a $\stackrel{\bullet }{V}$O_2max of 3.5 ± 0.6 (L.min^-1). The regression model [TT (s) = 413.378-0.433 × (MAP)-0.554 × (stroke rate at MAP)] presented an R² = 84.5%. Conclusion: It was found that $\stackrel{\bullet }{V}$O_2max , stroke distance and stroke rate during the GXT were not different from the corresponding variables ( $\stackrel{\bullet }{V}$O_2peak , stroke distance and stroke rate) observed during the TT. The MAP and the corresponding stroke rate were strong predicting factors of 1,000 m TT performance. In conclusion, the TT can be useful for quantifying biomechanical parameters (stroke distance and stroke rate) and to monitor training induced changes in the cardiorespiratory fitness ( $\stackrel{\bullet }{V}$O_2max ).

Keywords: 1000 m; VO2max; canoe sprint; canoeing and kayaking; maturation; time-trial; ventilatory threshhold; young kayakers.