Abstract

The aim of the work was to investigate characteristic features of Lithuanian kayak rowers’ physical development and physical preparedness and establish their relation with athletes’ results in 200 m rowing distance. At the end of preparatory period in 2011, we have investigated fifteen best Lithuanian kayak rowers, who competed in 200 m distance in official competitions, held on May 14, 2011. Athletes’ height, body and muscle mass, hand power, as well as jump height and take-off Speed were measured. For analysis of physical capacities, single muscle contraction capacity (SMCC), anaerobic alactic muscle capacity (AAMC) (applying step ergometry), special muscle capacity in 10 s work by special kayak ergometer (DanSprint) and using 200 m simulation test were applied; workout with special ergometer following the special program was also carried out. Research was based on the methods provided by Skernevičius, Dadelienė (2004). The research data were analyzed applying statistical calculation methods; arithmetical means (X) and mean deviations (Sx) were calculated, and standard deviations (S), as well as variation coefficients (V) were figured out for indices dispersion. Indices of minimum and maximum value are provided to show their dispersion area. Pearson linear correlation method was applied establishing relations between achieved characters’ parameters. For comparative analysis of certain exceptional athletes’ indices, standardization method (Gonestas, Strielčiūnas, 2004) was applied. Preparing kayak rowers for 200 m event, it is recommended to pay attention to general body mass, and muscle mass in particular, as it should be developed in a special way and continuously. Indices of SMCC and AAMC do not provide direct information on kayak rower’s special preparedness, but are rather informative concerning athlete’s muscle fast contraction and capacity. Indices of 10 s special work using kayak ergometer reflect kayak rowers’ anaerobic alactic capacity, however, these indices do not have reliable relation with 200 m event results. 200 m simulation test appears to be very informative in evaluating kayak rowers’ preparedness for 200 m event performance. Verf.-Referat