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Contribution of Trunk Rotation and Abdominal Muscles to Sprint Kayak Performance
Mathew B Brown1, Russell Peters2, Lauder Mike A3
1School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK.
Limiting lower trunk rotation in sprint kayaking enhances peak and mean velocity. Key abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominus and external obliques, play a crucial role in this performance improvement.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement
Background:
- Core stability and strength are crucial for athletic performance.
- The specific role of trunk motion and abdominal muscles in sprint kayaking remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between trunk rotation, abdominal muscle activity, and kayak velocity in elite sprint kayakers.
Main Methods:
- Eight international sprint kayakers performed five 150m sprint trials.
- Measured peak muscle activation (EMG) of latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominus, external obliques, and rectus femoris.
- Recorded upper and lower trunk rotation and kayak velocity.
Main Results:
- A strong negative correlation was found between lower trunk rotation and peak velocity (r = -0.684, p < 0.05).
- Contralateral rectus abdominus activity showed a significant positive relationship with mean velocity (p < 0.05).
- Significant associations were observed between rectus femoris, rectus abdominus, external obliques, and the paddling stroke.
Conclusions:
- Reducing lower trunk rotation can increase both peak and mean kayak velocity.
- The rectus abdominus, external oblique, and rectus femoris muscles are vital for optimizing sprint kayak performance.
- Training programs should target the strengthening of these abdominal muscles to improve performance.
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