Improving paddling efficiency through raising sitting height in female white water kayakers

Authors: Broomfield, S.A.L. and Lauder, M.

Journal: Journal of Sports Sciences

Volume: 33

Issue: 14

Pages: 1440-1446

eISSN: 1466-447X

ISSN: 0264-0414

DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2014.992935

Abstract:

Abstract: The study compared female white water paddlers over two conditions: with seat raise and with no seat raise. The aim was to determine whether raising the sitting height would improve paddling efficiency. Sitting height of each participant was recorded in order to calculate the seat raise height required and three-dimensional kinematic data was collected for six participants over both conditions. Twelve measures of efficiency were utilised. The efficiency of all participants improved on the seat condition for ≥4 of the measures, with three participants showing improvement for ≥6 of the measures. The stern snaking measure had the highest value of significance (P = 0.1455) and showed an average of 11.98% reduction in movement between no seat and seat conditions. The results indicate that improvements were seen although these were individualistic. Therefore it can be concluded that it is worth experimenting with a seat raise for a female kayaker who is lacking efficiency, noting, however, that improvements might depend on anthropometrics and the seat height selected, and therefore could elicit differing results.

Source: Scopus

Improving Paddling Efficiency Through Raising Sitting Height in Female White Water Kayakers.

Authors: Broomfield, S.

Conference: International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport (ICSEMIS).

Dates: 2012

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Shelley Ellis