Neuro-mechanical evaluation of paddle blade area and paddle length effects in flatwater kayaking

The main aim of flatwater kayaking is to cover the race distance in least possible time. The force required for this task is transferred to water by paddler. There are no limiting rules regarding determining paddle length or paddle blade area, which are independent variables of the papddle, nor is there any detailed information for these variables in the literature. The kayak boat speed depend on mechanical effects on paddler and boat system, which are generated by these two parameters. In this study, effects of paddle length and paddle blade area on muscle recruicment patterns in flatwater kayaking were investigated. These investigations were ensured by on water muscle activation analysis. Activation of the muscles which take part in kayak motion was recorded and compared to that under usual paddle length and blade area of the paddlers. The results showed that change of paddle length or paddle blade area resulted in variations in muscle recruitment ratios. Moreover, when muscle activation data were evaluated as a whole, it was concluded that there may also be alterations in kinematic variables of the kayaking motion. Keywords: Flatwater kayaking, Muscular activation, Paddle, Biomechanics, EMG,