Physiological Indices of Iranian Elite Female Kayakers in Two Different Tests on Treadmill & Arm Ergometer

The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological Indices of Iranian elite female kayakers on treadmill and arm ergometer. Twelve Iranian elite female kayakers (age: 16.5±2 yrs, height: 166.7±4.4 cm, weight: 57.89±7.3 kg, body fat: 20.33±6 %) participated in this study. VO2max, heart rate and VO2 at lactate threshold, VO2 pulse (VO2/HR) and ventilation (VE) values measured by two increamental tests along with gas analization. Antropometric and body composition characters including height, sitting height, two hands distance, arm, thigh and leg lengths; arm, thigh, sholder and pelvis breadths; arm, thigh, chest, hip and leg girths; body fat percentage, musle mass and kayak performance evaluated by 12 kilometer kayaking test (K12 time) were also measured. Data were analyzed by t-student and Pearson correlation coefficient (α=0.05). There was significant correlation between all the physiological indices of kayakers in two test (p<0.05). Although VO2max measured by the arm ergometer was lower than VO2max measured by treadmill. In comparison with similar elite kayakers in other countries, Iranian elite female kayakers had lower height, weight and specially muscle mass. This findings can be a guidance for national coaches in selection of athletes who have suitable physiological, antropometric and body composition characteristics and as there were differences between Iranian elite female kayakers and their match in other countries, it is recommended to insert more resistance training within training programs of kayakers to increase strenght and muscle mass of their upper body.