Author(s): KRISTIANSEN, M., JENSEN, K., LUNDBYE-JENSEN, J., DE ZEE, M., KLITGAARD, K., Institution: AALBORG UNIVERSITY, Country: DENMARK, Abstract-ID: 2231

INTRODUCTION:
Strength training plays a crucial role in enhancing performance in flat-water sprint kayaking. However, the specific physical attributes that should be prioritized in strength training remain unclear due to limited research in sprint kayaking. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between upper body strength, anaerobic power, body composition, and performance in the 500-meter flat-water sprint kayak event.
METHODS:
32 competitive kayak athletes (22 international-level, 23 men, 9 women) participated in two official 500 m on-water sprint kayak events in which their performance was recorded (114.0 ± 6.6 s). Within one week of the event, maximal dynamic strength, maximal isometric strength, maximal power output, and strength-endurance was assessed in the bench press and bench pull exercises. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and anaerobic peak power (Ppeak) was assessed in a 5-s all-out ergometer sprint test. A partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables.
RESULTS:
The age, height, body mass, lean body mass, and body fat percentage of the kayak athletes were 20.0 ± 3.3 years, 180.0 ± 7.9 cm, 77.9 ± 10.2 kg, 62.6 ± 9.7 kg, and 17.6 ± 5.3%, respectively. The PLS regression analysis revealed that the independent variables explained 51.5% (adjusted R2) of the variance in the 500m race performance using one latent factor in the model. The most important independent variables were lean mass of the torso (Variable importance in the projection (VIF) = 1.146), maximal dynamic strength in bench press (VIF = 1.129), lean mass of the arms (VIF = 1.079), and maximal dynamic strength in bench pull (VIF = 1.036).
CONCLUSION:
Performance in the 500-meter flat-water sprint kayak event is influenced by lean body mass, particularly in the upper body, and maximal dynamic strength in the bench press and bench pull exercises. While this study does not establish a causal relationship, it suggests that strength training for kayak athletes should prioritize increasing upper body lean mass and enhancing maximal dynamic strength in the bench press and bench pull exercises.