Characteristics of the morphological and functional status of kayakers and canoeists

A study of anthropometric and functional characteristics was conducted in a sample of 29 athletes, flatwater racers 18 kayakers and 11 canoeists. The results of morphological tests suggest an evident reduction of subcutaneous fat, above-average values of limb circumferences (especially upper limbs) and of body mass, attributable to a high proportion of lean body mass. Trunk extension strength was to be below the average, while the strength of the remaining analyzed static movements were on the level of trained persons. Aerobic capacity, i.e. the functioning of the cardiopulmonary system, in the sample under discussion has shown above-average values, comparable to those obtained in athletes in the aerobic sports group. The results of discriminant analysis applied separately to morphological, dynamogenic and aerobic characteristics with the aim to identify possible differences between the two sports suggest that our sample constituted a homogeneous group, regardless of which of the two sports were practiced.