The validity of sprint kayak key performance indicators and their relation to race performance

Sprint kayak is a water sport where athletes propel themselves forward using blades on either end of their paddle, with the goal of completing the distance in the shortest amount of time. Along with high volumes of on-water training, athletes often use weight training to increase their paddle force production. Strength and conditioning coaches use key performance indicators to track athlete progress in the gym. However, modern technology has increased the amount of key performance indicators available, making it difficult to know which are accurate and related to race performance. The purpose of this research project is to validate a linear position transducer’s ability to quantify common bench press and bench pull key performance indicators and explore the relationship between these indicators and on-water race performance. Approximately 45 athletes will complete the test-retest reliability, and motion analysis will be used to validate the accuracy of the linear position transducer. Multiple regressions will be conducted to identify the relationship between key performance indicators and on-water race performance data. The information gained from this project may influence how strength coaches and sport scientists collect and interpret off-water key performance indicators for elite kayak athletes.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ryan Frayne

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Water; Other

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: