Contribution of Trunk Rotation and Abdominal Muscles to Sprint Kayak Performance

Over the past two decades the importance of trunk contribution to sporting performance has been highlighted through the expanse of literature concerning core stability and strength. However, the role of trunk motion and the abdominal muscles are yet to be established during sprint kayak performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the associations among trunk rotation, kayak velocity, and abdominal muscle activity during on-water sprint kayaking. Eight international paddlers completed five 150 m sprint trials. During each trial peak muscle activation (peak root-mean-squared electromyogram) of the latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominus, external obliques and rectus femoris for ipsilateral (stroke side) and contralateral (opposite side) were recorded as the paddler passed through a 5-m calibrated volume, in conjunction with upper and lower trunk rotation and kayak velocity. Results indicated a significant strong negative relationship between lower trunk rotation and peak velocity (r = -0.684, p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant strong positive relationship (p < 0.05) with mean velocity was identified for the contralateral rectus abdominus and multiple significant associations between the rectus femoris, rectus abdominus and external obliques during the paddle stroke. Findings indicate that limiting the rotation of the lower trunk will increase both the peak and the mean velocity, with the rectus abdominus, external oblique and rectus femoris combining to assist in this process. Training should therefore focus on developing the strength of these muscle groups to enhance performance.