Correlations between performance and 4-min maximum efforts in Olympic Kayaking Athletes

• Published in: Journal of exercise physiology online Vol. 17; no. 4; pp. 34 - 41
• Main Authors: Loures, Joao Paulo, Ferreira, Heros Ribeiro, Oliveira, Rafael Mendonca Rocha, Gill, Pamela, Fernandes, Luiz Claudio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Society of Exercise Physiologists 01.08.2014
• Subjects: Exercise; Kayaking; Olympic athletes; Oxygen consumption; Physiological aspects; Physiological research; Training
• ISSN: 1097-9751; 1097-9751

The aim of this study was to investigate the V[O.sub.2] peak, lactate concentration, and force responses after a maximum 4-min effort on specialized ergometers and the possible relationship of these responses with performance in a 1000 m race. The study consisted of 28 elite kayakers divided into two groups: (a) 21 males, 21.25 ± 5.71 yrs, 173.50 [+ or -] 8.50 cm, 69.93 ± 10.36 kg; and (b) 7 females, 21.57 ± 6.17 yrs, 172.81 ± 9.27 cm, 68.90 ± 11.50 kg). All subjects performed a 4-min maximal effort while V[O.sub.2] peak values were verified both prior to and after the exercise along with the collection of 25 µL of blood from the earlobe for analysis of lactate [Lac]. Performance was observed 72 hrs later in a 1000 m race in an individual Olympic kayak (K1). Pearson correlation was used for possible associations between V[O.sub.2] peak, [Lac] peak, the parameters of the force-time curve and the performance in the K1 1000 m. Results revealed that of all the parameters analyzed, only the fatigue index (FI), which was observed from the force-time curve data, showed a significant correlation (r = 0.46). Thus, based on these results we conclude that in K1 1000 m races the kayakers who tend to maintain the distribution of force peaks during the race appear to have a greater chance of success. Key Words: Kayakers, V[O.sub.2] max, Fatigue Index