Top

Published in:

01-12-2021 | Stroke | Original Article

The comparison of biomechanics of kayak paddling between para-kayakers and elite able-bodied kayakers: a pilot study

Authors: Yoshifumi Kono, Tetsuhiko Sakamitsu, Junpei Sasadai, Mitsuki Yamamoto, Kana Okamoto, Kai Ushio, Yukio Mikami, Hiroaki Kimura, Nobuo Adachi

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding the kinematics of the upper extremity during kayak paddling is important for both performance and injury prevention. However, there is a lack of information on scapular and shoulder kinematics in para-kayakers who have additional impairments. This study aimed to clarify the biomechanics of kayak paddling in para-kayakers.

Methods

We assessed the biomechanics of 5 para-kayakers (included the subjects who competed the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games) and 10 elite able-bodied kayakers (included the subjects who competed the London Olympic Games in 2012 or world championships) during paddling on a kayak ergometer using an electromagnetic tracking device. The stroke rate, scapular motion relative to thorax, humerus motion relative to thorax, and humerus motion relative to scapula during the first 10 cycles of paddling were evaluated.

Results

During the first 10 cycles of paddling, para-kayakers showed significantly lower stroke rate compared to elite kayakers. There were also significant differences in scapular upward/downward rotation, humerothoracic plane of elevation, and grenohumeral plane of elevation between the para-kayakers and the elite kayakers.

Conclusion

Para-kayakers who have some impairments showed lower kayak paddling performance and different movement patterns compared with elite kayakers. The results of this study could provide some information to guide training programs to improve para-kayakers’ performance.

Mann RV, Kearney JT (1980) A biomechanical analysis of the Olympic-style flatwater kayak stroke. Med Sci Sports Exerc 12(3):183–188CrossRef

Jackson PS (1995) Performance prediction for Olympic kayaks. J Sports Sci 13(3):239–245. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640419508732233CrossRefPubMed

Michael JS, Smith R, Rooney KB (2009) Determinants of kayak paddling performance. Sports Biomech 8(2):167–179. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763140902745019CrossRefPubMed

McKean MR, Burkett B (2010) The relationship between joint range of motion, muscular strength, and race time for sub-elite flat water kayakers. J Sci Med Sport 13(5):537–542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.09.003CrossRefPubMed

Bjerkefors A, Tarassova O, Rosén JS, Zakaria P, Arndt A (2018) Three-dimensional kinematic analysis and power output of elite flat-water kayakers. Sports Biomech 17(3):414–427. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2017.1359330CrossRefPubMed

Trevithick BA, Ginn KA, Halaki M, Balnave R (2007) Shoulder muscle recruitment patterns during a kayak stroke performed on a paddling ergometer. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 17(1):74–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2005.11.012CrossRefPubMed

Fleming N, Donne B, Fletcher D (2012) Effect of Kayak Ergometer Elastic Tension on Upper Limb EMG Activity and 3D Kinematics. J Sports Sci Med 11(3):430–437PubMedPubMedCentral

Wassinger CA, Myers JB, Sell TC, Oyama S, Rubenstein EN, Lephart SM (2011) Scapulohumeral kinematic assessment of the forward kayak stroke in experienced whitewater kayakers. Sports Biomech 10(2):98–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2011.569563CrossRefPubMed

Brown BM, Lauder M, Dyson R (2011) Notational analysis of sprint kayaking: differentiating between ability levels. Int J Perform Anal Sport 11(1):171–183. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2011.11868538CrossRef

10.

Nilsson JE, Rosdahl HG (2016) Contribution of leg-muscle forces to paddle force and kayak speed during maximal-effort flat-water paddling. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 11(1):22–27. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2014-0030CrossRefPubMed

11.

Fiore DC, Houston JD (2001) Injuries in whitewater kayaking. Br J Sports Med 35(4):235–241. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.35.4.235CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

12.

Bjerkefors A, Rosén JS, Tarassova O, Arndt A (2019) Three-dimensional kinematics and power output in elite para-kayakers and elite able-bodied flat-water kayakers. J Appl Biomech 35(2):93–100. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2017-0102CrossRefPubMed

13.

Kertészné Német B, Terebessy T, Bejek Z (2019) Biomechanical and functional comparison of kayaking by abled-disabled athletes. Orv Hetil 160:2061–2066. https://doi.org/10.1556/650.2019.31444CrossRefPubMed

14.

Wu G, van der Helm FC, Veeger HE et al (2005) ISB recommendation on definitions of joint coordinate systems of various joints for the reporting of human joint motion–Part II: shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. J Biomech 38(5):981–992. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.05.042CrossRefPubMed

15.

Pickett CW, Abbiss C, Zois J, Blazevich AJ (2020) Pacing and stroke kinematics in 200-m kayak racing. J Sports Sci. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1859242CrossRefPubMed

16.

Baudouin A, Hawkins D (2002) A biomechanical review of factors affecting rowing performance. Br J Sports Med 36(6):396–402. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.36.6.396CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

17.

Fleming N, Donne B, Fletcher D, Mahony N (2012) A biomechanical assessment of ergometer task specificity in elite flatwater kayakers. J Sports Sci Med 11(1):16–25PubMedPubMedCentral

18.

Klitgaard KK, Hauge C, Oliveira AS, Heinen F (2020) A kinematic comparison of on-ergometer and on-water kayaking. Eur J Sport Sci 9(1):1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2020.1831617CrossRef

Title: The comparison of biomechanics of kayak paddling between para-kayakers and elite able-bodied kayakers: a pilot study
Authors: Yoshifumi Kono
Tetsuhiko Sakamitsu
Junpei Sasadai
Mitsuki Yamamoto
Kana Okamoto
Kai Ushio
Yukio Mikami
Hiroaki Kimura
Nobuo Adachi
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Milan
Keyword: Stroke
Published in: Sport Sciences for Health / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-021-00757-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The comparison of biomechanics of kayak paddling between para-kayakers and elite able-bodied kayakers: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 4/2021

Historical overview of injury prevention in traditional martial arts

A five-year clinical audit of concussive injuries in South African collegiate male rugby players—a South African experience

Trunk stabilization, body balance, body perception, and quality of life in professional physically disabled and able-bodied archers

From in vitro research to real life studies: an extensive narrative review of the effects of balneotherapy on human immune response

Feasibility of a combined supervised and home-based whole-body vibration intervention in children after inpatient oncological treatment

Correction to: Feasibility of a combined supervised and home‑based whole‑body vibration intervention in children after inpatient oncological treatment