Analysis of Stand-up Paddle Boarding: A systematic review

Abstract

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a relatively new physical activity, which involves paddling with a single-blade paddle while standing on a surf-like board. Although its practice has increased in recent years, there has not been much research into this sport. The aim of this review is to analyse the research carried out so far in SUP, for which purpose the following databases have been consulted: PUBMED/MEDLINE, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane library, Google scholar and Scopus, using the following search phrase base (Stand up paddle [Title/Abstract]) OR (Stand-up paddle [Title/Abstract]). 182 articles in total were obtained and after applying the PRISMA method, 36 articles were included, divided into 5 groups: physiology, biomechanics, injury, education and others. Existing literature shows the great potential of this activity in improving health-related parameters such as cardiovascular system or balance, as well as describing a balanced mesomorph somatotype and a good cardiovascular level in elite paddlers. On the other hand, a higher injury rate has been recorded in shoulders, lower back and elbows in SUP race participants and in the lower body in the case of SUP surfing, with strength training being the training variable that is most closely linked to injury prevention.This review demonstrates that SUP is an activity with great potential for application in education, as well as health improvement.