Physiological investigations of Swedish elite canoe competitors

Abstract

Maximal as well as submaximal heart rate and oxygen uptake were measured during paddling and other types of arm and leg exercise in Swedish elite canoeists. Muscle fiber composition was determined in these canoeists: 4 seniors (22–28 year old) as well as 2 juniors (18 years). V̇O_2max during treadmill running averaged in the seniors 5.4 1 x min ^-1 and during arm exercise (arm cranking) 4.6 1 x min ^-1 or 85% of V̇o_2max during leg exercise. Corresponding values for the juniors were 4.7 1 x min ^-1 and 4.2 1 x min ^-1 or 88%. Paddling 500 m resulted in relatively low oxygen uptake, but the highest blood lactate concentrations, whereas 1,000 m gave the highest oxygen uptake but also high blood lactate concentrations. During a 10,000 in race the heart rate was approximately 97% (range 96–98%) of the maximum measured. In nine present and former winners of World Championships or Olympic medals, fiber types were determined in the deltoid muscle. These data indicated that canoeists, who were successful in 500 m races, had a higher percentage of fast twitch (FT) muscle fibers (range 50–59%) than medalists, who competed in 10,000 in races (26–52% FT).