Association of Anthropometrics and Body Composition with Maximal and Relative Force and Power of Kayak Stroke in Competitive Kayak Athletes.

This study determined to what degree anthropometrics and body composition are associated with force and power outputs of a single-stroke kayak test (SSKT). Body height (BH), sitting height, biacromial distance, arm span, stroke length, body mass index (BMI), percent of skeletal muscle mass (PSMM), skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), percent body fat (PBF) and maximal and relative force (SSKT Fmax and SSKT Frel ) and power (SSKT Pmax and SSKT Prel ) of the SSKT were assessed in 21 male kayak competitors, including sprint specialists and long-distance specialists. Correlation analysis established the association ( p < 0.05) between SSKT Fmax and BM (r = 0.511), BMI (r = 0.495) and SMMI (r = 0.530). A significant correlation ( p < 0.05) also occurred between SSKT Pmax and BMI (r = 0.471) and SMMI (r = 0.489). Regression analysis determined a significant association of the anthropometrics-body composition model of kayakers with SSKT Fmax (R 2 = 0.790), SSKTF Rel (R 2 = 0.748), SSKT Pmax (R 2 = 0.676) and SSKT Prel (R 2 = 0.625). A longer and wider upper body supported by higher amounts of skeletal muscle mass per square of body size provides higher force outcomes in a complex single-handed SSKT, while the PSMM provides higher outcomes in SSKT Pmax .