Paracanoe: particularities of functional classes in the structuring of the sports’ training

Abstract

The performance of paracanoists is characterized by the ability of the athlete to advance at maximum speed, through a technically optimal paddling motion. It`s important to consider that in the case of para-athletes, the application of forces towards paddling is compromised by physical deficiencies. Thus, this study aims to assess the performance of athletes in the KL1, KL2 and KL3 sport classes, during a paralympic paracanoe event. The sample was composed of athletes from the Brazilian male paracanoe team, with a representative of each sport class: KL1, KL2, KL3 For performance analysis, we used a kayak ergometer (KayakPro®, Miami Beach, FL, USA) to simulate a 200-meter trial, during Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Road. The variables were evaluated: time trial, stroke frequency, mean speed, number of strokes, stroke length, stroke index, and power. According to results: I) the athlete KL3 had the lowest number of strokes, the longest stroke length and the highest stroke rate index; II) the athlete KL1 had the highest number of strokes, the lowest stroke length and the stroke rate index. This study puts into perspective the distinct characteristics of a paracanoe trial, analyzed in consideration to each sport class.

Paralympic Versus Olympic Canoe Sprint: Comprehension of the Development Trajectory of the Kayak 200 Meters

“…Conversely, KL1 emerged as the Paralympic sport class characterized by a larger CV and amplitude in race times, with a poor correlation in performance over the years, and notable significant distinctions from other sports classes. Previous research has underscored differences in power output, kinematics, and performance outcomes between Paralympic sports classes (Bjerkefors et al, 2019; Redwood-Brown et al, 2021; Ribeiro Neto et al, 2021, 2023; Teixeira Fabricio dos Santos et al, 2023) and Olympic athletes (Bjerkefors et al, 2019). However, the current study places particular emphasis on KL1-F, which exhibited a substantial degree of variability in race times, signifying an early stage in the developmental trajectory of this sport class or range of diversity of functionality.…”

“…In these speed sports, performance is multifactorial and relies on interrelated physical variables, such as the rate of strength development, muscle power, maximum muscular strength, and anaerobic power (Majumdar & Robergs, 2011). Additionally, technical and tactical aspects of the sport, like the number of strokes and stroke frequency, play a fundamental role in determining an athlete’s performance (McDonnell et al, 2013; Teixeira Fabricio dos Santos et al, 2023). However, other variables can influence the evolution of a sport, such as classification by ability, age, and sex, which are often considered specific to sport and Para sport characteristics (Allen & Hopkins, 2015; Dehghansai et al, 2020; Hogarth et al, 2021; Longo et al, 2016; Ribeiro Neto et al, 2023; Schipman et al, 2019; Severin et al, 2022).…”