RELATIONS BETWEEN MAXIMAL ISOMETRIC STRENGTH AND COMPETITION PERFORMANCEAMONG YOUNG KAYAKERS

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine if there are certain relations between maximal isometric strength and competition performance of young kayakers. Methods: This study was conducted with a sample of 25 male young kayakers from the kayak clubs of Serbia and Macedonia, aged 11 ± 1.5 years. Kayakers were divided into two separate groups, group of pioneers aged 11,36 (±1,54), and group of cadets aged 15(±1,58). Kayakers performed three isometric strength tests: hand grip, knee extensor, and lower back extensor. Testing was performed half an hour before the competition due to maximal performance, and more importantly test procedures did not have any negative effect on the final performance. Subjects were advised to produce maximal effort as fast as they can. Correlation analysis was used to process obtained results in STATISTICA 8 for Windows. Results: The overall analysis showed that there was a moderate correlation between all of maximal isometric strength test results and competition performance among pioneer kayakers, and there was no statistical significant correlation between all of maximal isometric strength test results and competition performance among cadet kayakers. Discussion and Conclusion: The general objective of this study was to highlight the importance of maximal isometric force production as the contributor of competition performance. But this data should be considered with caution, because the paddeling techniques and anticipation during the race are often the most important parameters of success. However, strength development should not be ignored while planning the training process.

Keywords

• kayaking
• performance
• force production