The Effect of Kayak Seat Type on Kayak Ergometer Paddling at Two Different Paddling Durations

Abstract

The main objectives of this thesis were to explore the effect of swivel seat usage and determine the specific kinematic and kinetic variables that contribute towards paddling performance corresponding to 40-second and 210-second ergometer paddling for novice kayakers. When using the swivel seat, knee flexion-extension range of motion increased significantly. The greater knee motion indicated the importance of utilising the larger muscle groups from the lower limbs, which might also contribute towards the foot-rest force production that will affect the net propulsive kayak force. When comparing between the 40-s and 210-s paddling, the range of motion for shoulder forward flexion-backward extension produced in the longer paddling duration was less compared to a shorter duration. Further analysis in comparing the begin, middle, and ending period of the 210-s paddling showed that the shoulder forward flexion-backward extension and trunk rotation exhibited a decreased motion from the begin to middle period and then increased from middle to the ending period. The association between these two joint motions will, in turn, affect the paddle forward reach and stroke length. None of the kinetic variables showed significant differences when comparing between the fixed and swivel seat. Nonetheless, a peak force timing profile was obtained for this cohort of novice kayakers. This profile is similar across all conditions. The force exerted on the paddle, seat, and foot-rest peaked at different stages in the 100% normalised drive time; foot-rest (39%-48%) followed by paddle (44%-51%) and seat (56%-73%). In conclusion, there existed different characteristics for both 40-s and 210-s ergometer paddling with some advantages gained from using the swivel seat. Further research is required to investigate how this is translated to on-water paddling and a potential for future paddling skill development program for novices.