Frontiers in Physiology (Jun 2021)

Strength Training Intensity and Volume Affect Performance of Young Kayakers/Canoeists

  • Martijn Gäbler,
  • Martijn Gäbler,
  • Hermine S. Berberyan,
  • Olaf Prieske,
  • Marije T. Elferink-Gemser,
  • Tibor Hortobágyi,
  • Torsten Warnke,
  • Urs Granacher

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.686744
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of moderate intensity, low volume (MILV) vs. low intensity, high volume (LIHV) strength training on sport-specific performance, measures of muscular fitness, and skeletal muscle mass in young kayakers and canoeists.MethodsSemi-elite young kayakers and canoeists (N = 40, 13 ± 0.8 years, 11 girls) performed either MILV (70–80% 1-RM, 6–12 repetitions per set) or LIHV (30–40% 1-RM, 60–120 repetitions per set) strength training for one season. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare effects of training condition on changes over time in 250 and 2,000 m time trials, handgrip strength, underhand shot throw, average bench pull power over 2 min, and skeletal muscle mass. Both between- and within-subject designs were used for analysis. An alpha of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance.ResultsBetween- and within-subject analyses showed that monthly changes were greater in LIHV vs. MILV for the 2,000 m time trial (between: 9.16 s, SE = 2.70, p < 0.01; within: 2,000 m: 13.90 s, SE = 5.02, p = 0.01) and bench pull average power (between: 0.021 W⋅kg–1, SE = 0.008, p = 0.02; within: 0.010 W⋅kg–1, SE = 0.009, p > 0.05). Training conditions did not affect other outcomes.ConclusionYoung sprint kayakers and canoeists benefit from LIHV more than MILV strength training in terms of 2,000 m performance and muscular endurance (i.e., 2 min bench pull power).

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