Abstract:

The flatwater canoeing competition is held in lake or pond that flow rate is constant. The traction and thrust force are expected to be at high level as well as excellent technique. Also, the 1000-m event demands high levels of both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Additionally, sportive performance is affected by anthropometric characteristics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between anthropometric variables, respiratory function, bio-motoric properties and 1000-m canoe performance. Eight male canoe athletes volunteered to participate in this study (mean age: 17.125 ± 1.12 years; height: 171.86 ± 6.95 cm; weight: 61.262 ± 10.7 kg; BMI: 20.623 ± 2.41 kg/m2). The canoe athletes underwent tests of anthropometric variables (height, weight, BMI, sitting height, arm span, sum of 8 skinfold, body fat percentage), respiratory function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, FEF25-75 and MVV), bio-motoric properties (right and left hand-grip strength, anaerobic power and isokinetic knee strength) and 1000-m canoe performance. Anaerobic power was estimated by using countermovement jump height. Bilateral concentric isokinetic strength of the knee extensors and flexors was evaluated at 600/s and 2400/s using CSMI-Humac/NormTM-770 dynamometer (Humac Norm Testing and Rehabilitation System, USA). A Spirolab-III ergospirometer (Medical International Research, Italy) was used to measure pulmonary function. The results of the present study demonstrated that there were no significant relationship between anthropometric variables, respiratory function, bio-motoric properties and 1000-m canoe performance (p> 0.05). A limited number of investigations focused on Turkish canoe athletes encourage us to design this study. Lack of training experience of participants may affect the results. Moreover, the small sample size is limitation of the present study. 

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