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Relationship Between Isometric Force-Time Characteristics and Sprint Kayaking Performance.

Danny Lum, Abdul Rashid Aziz

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

|September 12, 2020

Summary

Isometric strength tests, including squat and bench press, correlate with sprint kayaking performance. Mean power on a kayak ergometer (LABTT) effectively predicts on-water sprint kayaking time (OWTT).

Keywords:

isometric bench press isometric prone bench pull isometric squat peak force rate of force development

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Area of Science:

Sports Science
Biomechanics
Exercise Physiology

Background:

Isometric force-time characteristics are linked to athletic movements.
Limited research exists on isometric strength and sprint kayaking performance.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the relationship between sprint kayaking performance and ergometer performance.
To assess correlations between isometric strength tests (squat, bench press, prone bench pull) and sprint kayaking metrics.

Main Methods:

23 sprint kayakers completed isometric squat, bench press, and prone bench pull tests.
Athletes also performed on-water (OWTT) and kayak ergometer (LABTT) sprints.
Isometric tests were conducted at specific joint angles (90°/120° knee, various elbow angles).

Main Results:

Strong inverse correlation found between on-water time (OWTT) and ergometer mean power (LABTT) (r = -.90).
Peak forces from all isometric tests correlated significantly with OWTT and LABTT.
Peak rate of force development correlated with OWTT and LABTT, particularly from upper-body isometric tests.

Conclusions:

Kayak ergometer mean power (LABTT) is a reliable predictor of on-water sprint kayaking performance (OWTT).
Both maximum strength and peak rate of force development are crucial for sprint kayaking, whether on water or on an ergometer.