Morphology and Maturity Status and Their Relationship with Stroke Steadiness in Young Sprint Paddlers

Abstract

Featured Application: Coaches and sport managers in charge of talent identification processes in sprint canoeing might take into considerations these findings not only to select potential successful paddlers but also to enhance their attributes during early stages. Elite kayakers are characterized by robust somatotypes and a high degree of technical skills acquired from early ages along the biological maturity process. This study aimed to analyze the interdependence of anthropometric attributes, maturity status, and new stroke kinematics variables such as long- and short-term stroke steadiness in young sprint paddlers. Twenty-two elite young male canoeists, aged 13.5 ± 0.4 years, volunteered for the investigation. A battery of anthropometric measurements was obtained for each individual while stroke kinematics were determined by lateral recordings in an all-out 200 m test. Frame-to-frame analysis of consecutive strokes allowed the determination of short-term and long-term steadiness. Significant and positive correlations (p < 0.05) between maturity status, canoeing experience, and stroke steadiness were identified, especially in long-term steadiness (r = 0.60–0.83). In addition, upper-body dimensions in the chest and arms exhibited strong associations with both short- and long-term steadiness (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that biological maturity, but particularly experience, are key factors for a higher stroke efficiency. Therefore, early identification of morphological characteristics and maturity status along with specific practice in canoeing should be taken into consideration for ideal talent development in young canoeists.