Comparison between a laboratory test in kayak-ergometer and continuous and interval exercises on open water in well-trained young kayakers : original research article

Background: It has been suggested that heart rate and blood lactate determined in a constant intensity test in the kayak-ergometer may be valid for programming training intensities during constant exercise. Research question: The purpose of this paper is to determine the physiological and physical differences obtained during kayak ergometer paddling and on-water kayak paddling using well-trained junior paddlers. Type of study: Descriptive study. Methods: Twelve male kayakers (16.5 ± 1.9 yrs.) performed an incremental laboratory test in which blood lactate concentrations, heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and stroke rate (SR) were recorded and velocities at 2.5 and 5 mmol∙L-1 were calculated. Two days later, the participants carried out a Continuous training exercise (CT) on open water (8000 m) at a velocity equivalent to a lactate concentration of 2.5 mmol∙L-1, and the next day they followed an Interval training exercise (IT) (8 x 1000 m) at a velocity equivalent to a lactate concentration of 5 mmol∙L-1. A linear regression analysis was performed to check the predictive validity of the variables obtained on the kayak ergometer for the training exercises and the differences between the variables were analysed using the paired t-test. Results: Significant differences in HR and RPE (p<0.001) were observed between the IT and the kayak ergometer. There were also significant differences in SR (p<0.01) between Continuous and Interval training exercises and the kayak ergometer. The results showed that well-trained kayakers recorded lower values of blood lactate concentration and SR in the CT and IT exercises than on the kayak ergometer. Additionally, Lactate concentration was significantly lower (p<0.01) than expected in CT and IT. The SR obtained in 8000 m CT was significantly lower (p<0.01) than the SR estimated in the laboratory test at a blood lactate concentration of 2.5 mmol∙L-1. Conclusion: This suggests that coaches should pay attention to this fact when using laboratory test results for programming and monitoring training on open water.