Paddle propulsive force and power balance: a new approach to performance assessment in flatwater kayaking

ABSTRACT

This study aims to determine the propulsive force (F_p) and its timing of application during the paddle stroke confirming the dynamic balance between propulsive and drag powers (P_p = P_d) in kayaking performance. Ten male sub-elite paddlers participated in the study. The athletes carried out three trials of 50 m at three different velocity ranges: 2.70 – 3.00 m/ s; 3.01 – 3.50 m/s and 3.51 – 4.00 m/ s. A constant velocity during each trial was maintained and the section between 15 and 40 m of the total pool length was considered for further analysis. Data were collected using the E-kayak system provided of an instrumented paddle and 2D video analysis. It was observed that the propulsive force increases in intensity (up to 90% of the peak force) as the velocity increases. The dynamic balance between P_d and P_p was confirmed with a Bland and Altman plot (estimated bias: 0.2; LoA: 12.8 and 13.3 W). The related comparisons between the power parameters showed no significant difference (p > 0.050) in each of the considered velocity. By applying the dynamic balance theory between P_p = P_d on the data obtained from the interaction among GPS, force on the paddle and 2D video analysis, it is possible to acquire essential information (F_p, P_p) to monitor the flatwater kayaking performance.

KEYWORDS:

• Flatwater kayaking
• performance analysis
• GPS unit
• 2D video analysis
• timing of force application

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Claudio Schermi, president of the kayak club “Circolo Canottieri EUR”; Paolo Boatto and Nunzio Lanotte (ApLab company) for their assistance with E-kayak system; Luca Ghelardini, Claudio Ghelardini and Lucia Lissoni for their assistance during the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.