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Int J Sports Med 2012; 33(08): 654-660
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1301907
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Gross Efficiency and Energy Expenditure in Kayak Ergometer Exercise

B. B. Gomes
1   University of Coimbra, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, CIDAF, Coimbra, Portugal
,
L. Mourão
2   Porto Polytechnic Institute, Industrial Studies and Management Superior School, Vila do Conde, Portugal
,
A. Massart
1   University of Coimbra, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, CIDAF, Coimbra, Portugal
,
P. Figueiredo
3   University of Porto, Faculty of Sport, CIFI2D, Porto, Portugal
,
J. P. Vilas-Boas
3   University of Porto, Faculty of Sport, CIFI2D, Porto, Portugal
4   University of Porto, LABIOMEP, Porto, Portugal
,
A.M. C. Santos
1   University of Coimbra, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, CIDAF, Coimbra, Portugal
,
R. J. Fernandes
3   University of Porto, Faculty of Sport, CIFI2D, Porto, Portugal
4   University of Porto, LABIOMEP, Porto, Portugal
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 10 January 2012

Publication Date:
26 April 2012 (online)

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Abstract

We purposed to study energy expenditure, power output and gross efficiency during kayak ergometer exercise in 12 elite sprint kayakers. 6 males (age 24.2±4.8 years, height 180.4±4.8 cm, body mass 79.7±8.5 kg) and 6 females (age 24.3±4.5 years, height 164.5±3.9 cm, body mass 65.4±3.5 kg), performed an incremental intermittent protocol on kayak ergometer with V˙O2 and blood lactate concentration assessment, a non-linear increase between power output and energy expenditure being observed. Paddling power output, energy expenditure and gross efficiency corresponding to V˙O2max averaged 199.92±50.41 W, 75.27±6.30 ml.kg − 1.min − 1, and 10.10±1.08%. Male kayakers presented higher  V˙O2max, power output and gross efficiency at the V˙O2max, and lower heart rate and maximal lactate concentration than females, but no differences were found between genders regarding energy expenditure at V˙O2max. Aerobic and anaerobic components of energy expenditure evidenced a significant contribution of anaerobic energy sources in sprint kayak performance. Results also suggested the dependence of the gross efficiency on the changes in the amount of the aerobic and anaerobic contributions, at heavy and severe intensities. The inter-individual variance of the relationship between energy expenditure and the corresponding paddling power output revealed a relevant tracking for females (FDγ=0.73±0.06), conversely to the male group (FDγ=0.27±0.08), supporting that some male kayakers are more skilled in some paddling intensities than others.

Key words

kayaking - gross efficiency - energy expenditure - gender
 

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