Maximal Strength on Different Resistance Training Rowing Exercises Predicts Start Phase Performance in Elite Kayakers

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship existing between maximum strength values in 2 common resistance training row exercises (bilateral bench pull [BBP] and one-arm cable row [OACR]) and short sprint performance in elite kayakers. Ten junior kayakers (5 women and 5 men) were tested on different days for 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction in both exercises. Moreover, a 12-m sprint kayak was performed in a dew pond to record split times (2, 5, and 10 m), peak velocity, distance completed considering the first 8 strokes, and mean acceleration induced by right blade and left blade strokes. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed when right and left arms were compared in sprint testing or strength testing variables. Maximal strength values in BBP and OACR were significantly correlated with short sprint performance variables, showing the bilateral exercise with slightly stronger correlation coefficients than the unilateral seated row. Moreover, the relationship between strength testing and sprint testing variables is stronger when maximal force is measured through a dynamic approach (1RM) in comparison with an isometric approach. In conclusion, maximal strength in BBP and OACR is a good predictor of the start phase performance in elite sprint kayakers, mainly the 1RM value in BBP.

The effects of heavy upper-body strength training on ice sledge hockey sprint abilities in world class players

“…Together, these findings further support that heavy strength training can improve sprint abilities also in elite athletes that are specialized in an isolated upper-body poling movement. The pre-test correlations found here are in line with our previous study on ice sledge hockey (Skovereng, Ettema, Welde, & Sandbakk, 2013) and findings from other studies on explosive locomotion primarily using the upper-body for propulsion, such as maximal speed in double poling cross country skiing (Stoggl, Muller, Ainegren, & Holmberg, 2011) and the start phase in kayaking (Uali et al, 2012) and luge athletes (Crossland, Hartman, Kilgore, Hartman, & Kaus, 2011;Sheppard et al, 2012). However, the novelty of this study is the significant correlations of pre-to post-test changes in strength and sprint abilities that indicate that the strength gains were significantly associated with the improved sprint abilities.…”

“…Here, the correlation was strongest for the most movement-specific strength exercise when compared to more general strength measures. Associations between upper-body strength and various types of performances are further supported by studies on elite kayakers (Liow & Hopkins, 2003;Uali et al, 2012), wheelchair racers (Turbanski & Schmidtbleicher, 2010), surfers (Sheppard et al, 2012) and luge athletes (Crossland, Hartman, Kilgore, Hartman, & Kaus, 2011;Platzer, Raschner, & Patterson, 2009). A few of these studies also showed simultaneous improvements of maximal strength and sprint abilities with heavy upper-body strength training (Liow & Hopkins, 2003;Turbanski & Schmidtbleicher, 2010), whereas such training in cross-country skiers improved upper-body strength, skiing economy and endurance performance (Hoff, Gran, & Helgerud, 2002;Losnegard et al, 2011;Osteras, Helgerud, & Hoff, 2002;Ronnestad, Kojedal, Losnegard, Kvamme, & Raastad, 2012).…”

High Intensity Interval Training in Handcycling: The Effects of a 7 Week Training Intervention in Able-bodied Men

“…Jacobs (2009) showed that 12 weeks of upper body strength training, without any endurance training, increased peakVO 2 in paraplegic individuals. Similarly, the use of heavy strength training has been shown to increase upper body endurance capacity in kayaking (Ualí et al, 2012) and wheelchair racing (Turbanski and Schmidtbleicher, 2010). However, at present this theory is largely speculative in relation to the current study.…”

Validity and Reliability of the Isometric Prone Bench Pull Test

“…Isometric strength tests are popular assessments that are widely used to assess maximum force-time curve characteristics of the muscular system for the lower [1][2][3] and upper limbs [4][5][6]. This strength testing method has been shown to be an effective approach for monitoring strength training adaptations, especially in well trained athletes who show only subtle changes even after long period of training [7,8], or to assess acute changes in performance during the recovery phase following high-volume resistance training sessions [9].…”