Prediction of Simulated 1,000 m Kayak Ergometer Performance in Young Athletes

This study aimed to develop a predictive explanatory model for the 1,000-m time-trial (TT) performance in young national-level kayakers, from biomechanical and physiological parameters assessed in a maximal graded exercise test (GXT). Twelve young male flat-water kayakers (age 16.1 +/- 1.1 years) participated in the study. The design consisted of 2 exercise protocols, separated by 48 h, on a kayak ergometer. The first protocol consisted of a GXT starting at 8 km.h(-1) with increments in speed of 1 km.h(-1) at each 2-min interval until exhaustion. The second protocol comprised the 1,000-m TT. Results: In the GXT, they reached an absolute (V)over dotO(2max) of 3.5 +/- 0.7 (L.min(-1)), a maximum aerobic power (MAP) of 138.5 +/- 24.5 watts (W) and a maximum aerobic speed (MAS) of 12.8 +/- 0.5 km/h. The TT had a mean duration of 292.3 +/- 15 s, a power output of 132.6 +/- 22.0 W and a (V)over dotO(2max) of 3.5 +/- 0.6 (L.min(-1)). The regression model [TT (s) = 413.378-0.433 x (MAP)-0.554 x (stroke rate at MAP)] presented an R-2 = 84.5%. Conclusion: It was found that (V)over dotO(2max), stroke distance and stroke rate during the GXT were not different from the corresponding variables (V)over dotO(2peak), stroke distance and stroke rate) observed during the TT. The MAP and the corresponding stroke rate were strong predicting factors of 1,000 m TT performance. In conclusion, the TT can be useful for quantifying biomechanical parameters (stroke distance and stroke rate) and to monitor training induced changes in the cardiorespiratory fitness ((V)over dotO(2max)).

Automated summary

This study aimed to develop a predictive explanatory model for the 1,000-m time-trial performance in young national-level kayakers based on biomechanical and physiological parameters. The results showed that maximum aerobic power and corresponding stroke rate were strong predicting factors for performance.