TIME-MOTION ANALYSIS, HEART RATE, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERNATIONAL CANOE POLO ATHLETES
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TIME-MOTION ANALYSIS, HEART RATE, AND
PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERNATIONAL
CANOE POLO ATHLETES
SCOTT C. FORBES, MICHAEL D. KENNEDY, AND GORDON J. BELL
Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
ABSTRACT various activities with (2,6) or without (1,4,11) accompanying
Forbes, SC, Kennedy, MD, and Bell, GJ. Time-motion analysis,
physiological measurements in a variety of sports including
hockey, rugby, water polo, synchronized swimming, wheel-
heart rate, and physiological characteristics of international
chair basketball, and soccer. Time-motion analysis can be
canoe polo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 27(10): 2816–
completed through observation (4); however, gold standard
2822, 2013—To evaluate the time international canoe polo play-
analysis involves video capture and recording of the sport
ers spend performing various game activities, measure heart rate
being played in its competitive environment. The main depen-
(HR) responses during games, and describe the physiological dent variables derived from time-motion analysis include seg-
profile of elite players. Eight national canoe polo players were menting a game into activities to estimate time spent
videotaped and wore HR monitors during 3 games at a World performing those activities, determine the physiological stress
Championship and underwent fitness testing. The mean age, imposed throughout the game, and to measure the frequency
height, and weight were 25 6 1 years, 1.82 6 0.04 m, and of the different types of movements performed. This allows
81.9 6 10.9 kg, respectively. Time-motion analysis of 3 games sport scientists to best determine the “characteristics” of the
indicated that the players spent 29 6 3% of the game slow and game itself. This type of quantification is extremely important
moderate forward paddling, 28 6 5% contesting, 27 6 5% rest- for sport enhancement and has important implications for the
ing and gliding, 7 6 1% turning, 5 6 1% backward paddling, 2 6 development of more appropriate training programs and
1% sprinting, and 2 6 1% dribbling. Sixty-nine (620)% of the monitoring to optimize physical preparations for competition.
game time was played at an HR intensity above the HR that Canoe polo is an emerging sport and is growing in popularity
corresponded to the ventilatory threshold (VT) that was determined (2). The International Canoe Federation first sanctioned canoe
_ O2 test. Peak oxygen uptake and VT were 3.3 6 polo in 1989 and the first World Championships were held in
during the peak V
1994. There were 23 countries competing in the men’s division
0.3 and 2.2 6 0.3 L$min21, respectively, on a modified Monark
at the most recent International Canoe Federation World
arm crank ergometer. Arm crank peak 5-second anaerobic power
Championships in 2012. Canoe polo is a competitive ball sport
was 379 W. The majority of the time spent during international
played on water, in a defined pitch (35 m in length by 25 m
canoe polo games involved slow-to-moderate forward paddling, wide), between 2 teams of 5 players, each in a kayak. In addition,
contesting for the ball, and resting and gliding. Canoe polo games each team has up to 3 players behind the goal line who can
are played at a high intensity indicated by the HR responses, and substitute in at any time. The object of the game is to score by
the physiological characteristics suggest that these athletes had throwing a water polo ball into the opponent’s net (measuring
high levels of upper body aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels. 1.0 by 1.5 m) that is suspended 2 m above the water. A player
acts as a goalie to defend the goal with their paddle. During
KEY WORDS exercise, kayak, match analysis
game play, the ball is passed among the players by hand or with
some use of the paddle or thrown out of reach from the player
INTRODUCTION
T
and then regaining possession; however, the player may only
ime-motion analysis is considered a useful tool to have the ball in their possession for a maximum of 5 seconds.
systematically determine the physiological demands The game is 20 minutes in length consisting of two 10-minute
of a sport. Specifically, time-motion analysis has halves separated by 3 minutes and begins with a sprint start to
been used to determine the time spent performing gain possession of the ball at the center line (19).
The growth of canoe polo and the introduction of the
Address correspondence to Scott C. Forbes, scforbes@ualberta.ca. world championships have led to an increased competitive-
27(10)/2816–2822 ness in the game resulting in a need for a scientific evaluation
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and a measure of the physiological stress imposed on players
Ó 2013 National Strength and Conditioning Association during competition (2). The quantification (e.g., frequency
the TM
2816 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
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and duration) of common movements (e.g., sprinting, slow required to complete a physical activity readiness question-
paddling, resting and gliding, backward paddling, turning, naire. Each participant read and signed an informed consent
and dribbling) and assessment of the physical demands (e. document approved by a University Research Ethics Board.
g., heart rates [HRs]) of canoe polo will have important Procedures
implications for the development of more appropriate and Time-Motion Analysis. Three preliminary (e.g., round robin
specific training regimes, and allow coaches to better mon- format) games at a World Championships were filmed. A
itor programs through sport-specific fitness assessments to commercially available digital video camera was used from
optimize physical preparations for competitions. Recently, a raised vantage that allowed coverage of the entire pitch.
Alves et al. (2) examined the anthropometric and physiolog- Suunto T6 HR monitors (Finland) were worn by each player
ical characteristics of international canoe polo athletes and (n = 8) during the games, and the HR was recorded to
evaluated preliminary time-motion analysis data (work-to- memory and downloaded. Video analysis was performed
rest ratios and sprints times) during a single simulated game. using Dartfish 5.0 software (Switzerland). To distinguish
Previous research in soccer has shown differences in time- the number of activity types, 7 different movement catego-
motion analysis and physiological demands between simu- ries were selected through observation by the investigators
lated compared with official international matches (16). and an expert judge who had extensive playing and interna-
Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to extend pre- tional coaching experience in the sport. The following 7
vious literature and to (a) evaluate the frequency and the movement categories and definitions were agreed upon:
time elite canoe polo players spend performing various activ-
ities during official international games; (b) measure individ- Sprinting: Propelling of a player in a kayak across the pitch
ual HR response during these official games; and (c) assess quickly in a forward direction with a high stroke rate (max-
the physiological capabilities of the players. It was hypoth- imal effort, visible splash).
esized based on expert opinion of coaches and players that Slow/Moderate Forward Paddling: Propelling of a player in
the game of canoe polo would consist primarily of intermit- a kayak across the pitch in a forward direction with
tent forward paddling and contesting for position (e.g., chal- a slow-to-moderate stroke rate.
lenging for position). In addition, because of the intermittent Backwards Paddling: Propelling of a player in a kayak across
nature of canoe polo, it was hypothesized that elite canoe the pitch in a backward direction.
polo players would demonstrate high muscular endurance Turning: Propelling of a player to turn or rotate the kayak or
and a well-developed anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. change direction.
Dribbling: Propelling of a player in a kayak across the pitch
METHODS while handling the ball.
Experimental Approach to the Problem Contesting: Defensive or offensive challenging for position
A descriptive experimental design was selected to examine while in the kayak (with or without the ball).
activity type and time spent performing each movement Resting/Gliding: Resting in the kayak with no movement or
using time-motion analysis. Time-motion analysis involves any movement across the pitch without paddling.
quantification (frequency and duration) of common move-
ments from video downloaded to specialized software
To further assess the physical demands, these movements
(Dartfish 5.0 software, Switzerland). The movements were
were separated into 2 intensity ratings; low-to-moderate
selected based on expert opinion and the dependent
intensity movements included slow and moderate forward
variables were frequency, total time, and % time in each
paddling, backward paddling, turning, dribbling, and resting
movement category. The additional dependent variable of
and gliding. High-intensity movements included sprinting
the HR was measured during the same games and used to
and contesting.
indicate the intensity and cardiovascular demands of inter-
Independent to the 7 movement categories, the amount of
national competition. As well, standardized physiological
time spent in the starting sprint, offensive play, defensive
fitness assessments were completed. The fitness assessment
play, and transition phases of the game and total number of
evaluated muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility,
shots and passes were recorded.
and aerobic and anaerobic power of each player.
The videotapes were coded for the entire length of the
Subjects game, excluding the 3-minute half time. Data were analyzed
A convenient sample of 8 male canoe polo athletes, all for the total game and separated into halves. The analysis
currently competing at the international level, participated in included movements during whistle stops and movements
this study. Data collection for physical assessment occurred during substitution. The same individual, who had experience
after the 2008 World Championships. The mean age, body playing canoe polo, completed all the time-motion analyses.
weight, height, percent body fat, and years experience in the
sport were 25 6 1 years, 81.9 6 10.9 kg, 1.82 6 0.04 m, 9.9 6 Physiological Testing. After the World Championships, each
1.7%, and 6.2 6 3.9 years, respectively. All the subjects were subject completed a battery of standardized anthropometric
VOLUME 27 | NUMBER 10 | OCTOBER 2013 | 2817
Copyright © National Strength and Conditioning Association Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.Time-Motion Analysis of Canoe Polo
and fitness tests, which included height, weight, skinfolds, sit was averaged for the highest 5-second interval, and average
and reach flexibility, hand grip dynamometry, curl-ups, arm power throughout the 30-second test was determined by vid-
crank Wingate 30-second anaerobic power test, and arm crank eotaping the test and counting the number of revolutions over
peak oxygen uptake protocol (peak V _ O2). All fitness assess- the appropriate time interval. Power output was determined
ments used standardized published protocols as indicated in from the following formula:
each section. During the time of the study, all the subjects were
Power Output ðWÞ
encouraged to undertake their normal training and diet. They
were instructed to be adequately hydrated and not to eat 2 9:81 m$s22 3Resistance in kgs Flywheel revolutions32:5 m
¼
hours before the fitness assessment. One subject was injured TimeðsÞ
during the last day of the World Championships and was
unable to complete the physiological assessment (n = 7). A continuous, incremental arm crank protocol (13,22)
using a calibrated metabolic measurement system (True
Anthropometric Testing. Height (meters) was measured with One 2400, ParvoMedics, UT, USA) was used to determine
a wall-mounted device (Tanita, Arlington, IL, USA) to the peak oxygen consumption (peak V_ O2). The arm crank pro-
nearest 0.01 m without shoes and with each subject standing tocol consisted of a crank rate of 70 rpm, initial loading of
erect against a wall. Body mass (kilograms) was measured to 35 W, and subsequent increases of 35 W every 2 minutes
the nearest 0.1 kg using a balance beam scale (HealthoMeter, until volitional exhaustion (13,22). The HR was recorded
Bridgeview, IL, USA). Percent body fat was calculated by continuously during the test using an HR monitor (Polar
summing the mean of 2 skinfolds (Harpenden, United T31, Finland). The main criterion for achieving a peak V_ O2
Kingdom) from 6 different anatomical sites (midtricep, chest, was a plateau in the oxygen consumption (a change of ,100
iliac crest, subscapular, abdominal, and front thigh) and ml$min21) with an increase in power output accompanied
entering these values in the following formula: % BF = sum by either a respiratory exchange ratio of .1.10 or an age
of 6 3 0.097 + 3.64 (31). predicted or known maximum HR during arm cranking, or
volitional exhaustion at cessation of exercise (3). The venti-
Fitness Testing. Trunk forward flexion (i.e., sit and reach) using latory threshold (VT) was determined as the point at which
a Wells-Dillion (30) flexometer (Fitsystems Inc., Canada) and CO2 production and minute ventilation (VE) deviated from
combined grip strength of the right and left hands using linearity as compared with the rate of rise in oxygen uptake
a hand dynamometer (Almedic Dynamometer: 100 kg, as the work rate was increased (29). The VT was identified
Japan) was measured as the highest score of 2 trials accord- on a respiratory gas exchange record by one the investiga-
ing to the Canadian Physical Activity and Lifestyle Appraisal tors and agreement was reached with a second independent
protocol (10). Abdominal muscular endurance was assessed observer. Test-retest reliability has been previously estab-
using a modified curl-up protocol that controlled tempo at lished for this latter protocol (intraclass correlation coeffi-
a rate of 25 curl-ups per minute using a standardized pro- cient = 0.97 for absolute peak V_ O2 and 0.91 for relative
tocol as previously reported by our laboratory (24). peak V_ O2) (13).
Anaerobic power was determined during a 30-second Statistical Analyses
Wingate test (18) at maximal effort on an arm crank ergometer All the results are expressed as mean 6 SD. To assess the reli-
(Monark, Model 881, Sweden) modified to accommodate cali- ability, the movement patterns of 8 players were analyzed by an
brated weights to provide resistance to the friction belt around investigator for one-half of a game on 2 separate occasions (intra-
a flywheel. Frictional resistance for the ergometer wheel was rater) and by an independent investigator (interrater). The typical
set as 0.065 kg$kg21 of the body weight (6). The ergometer error of measurement (TE; within subject SD) was calculated
was secured to a table 76 cm in height. During the test, the seat from the trials for duration and relative percentage variables as
height was adjusted to ensure that the joint center of rotation described by Hopkins (17). In addition, the differences and the
for the shoulder was at the same height as the axis of rotation relationship of the movement times between the trials were
for the crank arm. The distance between the axis of the shoul- assessed with a paired t-test and a Pearson correlation coeffi-
der and crank was adjusted to ensure full arm extension. The cient, respectively. Statistical significance was set at p # 0.05.
participants cranked the ergometer and were allowed to move
their whole upper body to ensure maximal performance dur- RESULTS
ing the test. Each subject was allocated a 5-minute warm-up Reliability
on the arm crank ergometer at 60 rpm with 1 kg of resistance Test-retest reliability was assessed on separate days (;7 days
(;25 W). Five seconds before data collection, they were in- apart). The intrarater and interrater TEs for total movement
structed to increase the crank rate to a maximum to ensure the times of the video analysis were 5.7 and 2.1 seconds, respec-
highest power and force production at the beginning of the tively. The intrarater TE for movement time ranged from 1.9 to
test and to continue cranking at a maximal rate for the dura- 8.0 seconds and 0.3–1.0% for the relative percentages for each
tion of the 30-second test. The subjects were consistently movement category (sprinting: 2.4 seconds and 0.4%; backward
encouraged verbally throughout the test. Peak power output paddling: 2.0 seconds and 0.3%; contesting: 5.0 seconds and
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2818 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
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TABLE 1. Percentage of time, amount of time, and frequency of each movement during 3 international canoe polo
games (n = 8).
Slow and Resting and
moderate forward Sprinting Backward Turning Contesting Dribbling gliding
Total time (%) 29 6 3 2 6 1 5 6 1 7 6 1 28 6 5 2 6 1 27 6 5
Total time (s) 383 6 14 26 6 3 66 6 5 92 6 3 370 6 17 26 6 10 356 6 22
Total frequency (n) 47 6 9 12 6 2 9 6 3 35 6 13 31 6 11 3 6 5 55 6 10
1 Half time (%) 30 6 3 3 6 1 4 6 1 8 6 7 27 6 4 3 6 1 25 6 4
1 Half time (s) 192 6 12 19 6 4 26 6 5 51 6 3 173 6 18 19 6 8 160 6 18
1 Half frequency (n) 24 6 6 6 6 2 5 6 2 18 6 7 16 6 6 2 6 3 28 6 7
2 Half time (%) 28 6 3 2 6 1 5 6 1 7 6 1 28 6 6 1 6 1 28 6 6
2 Half time (s) 190 6 5 14 6 2 34 6 5 48 6 4 190 6 19 7 6 7 190 6 24
2 Half frequency (n) 23 6 4 6 6 2 4 6 2 17 6 7 15 6 6 2 6 3 27 6 7
% = percent; n = number of movements.
0.7%; slow and moderate forward paddling: 2.4 seconds and majority of the time was spent in low-to-moderate (70 6
0.7%; resting and gliding: 8.0 seconds and 1.0%; turning: 1.9 4%) intensity movements, whereas 30 6 3% was spent per-
seconds and 0.3%; and dribbling 2.0 seconds and 0.3%). The forming high-intensity activities. Fifty percent (615) of the
interrater TE for movement time ranged from 2.6 to 12.7 sec- game time was spent in offense, 30 6 11% in defense, 19 6
onds and 0.3–2.9% (sprinting: 3.8 seconds and 0.7%; backward 5% in transition, and 1 6 0.2% performing the sprint start in
paddling: 2.6 seconds and 2.0%; contesting: 10.8 seconds and the first half of the games and 29 6 12% in offense, 51 6 8%
1.5%; slow and moderate forward paddling: 5.0 seconds and in defense, 20 6 6% in transition activities, and 1.0 6 0.2% of
2.9%; resting and gliding: 12.7 seconds and 1.0%; turning: 5.5 the game performing the sprint start in the second half of the
seconds and 0.3%; and dribbling 5.9 seconds and 0.3%). Further- games. The total number of whistle stops and time spent for
more, there was no significant difference (p . 0.05) between each whistle stop in the first and second halves was 10 6 2
trials for any movement time (p . 0.05), and the Pearson cor- stops, 14 6 10 seconds, and 18 6 6 stops, 19 6 19 seconds,
relation coefficients ranged from r = 0.88 to 0.99 for intrarater respectively. The number of passes and shots were 45 6 22
and r = 0.74–0.98 for interrater assessments of all movements. passes and 4 6 2 shots in the first half and 23 6 10 passes
and 4 6 1 shots in the second half of the games.
Time-Motion Analysis
Time-motion analysis of 3 games indicated that the players Heart Rate Response
spent the majority of their time forward paddling, contesting, The mean HRs during the first half and second half of the
and resting and gliding, as shown in Table 1. In addition, the games were 157 6 16 and 159 6 14 b$min21. Sixty-nine
TABLE 2. Fitness profile of the canoe polo players (n = 7).
Anaerobic Sit and
Anaerobic mean Grip reach V_ O2max VT %
Subject peak 5-s 30-s strength flexibility V_ O2max (ml$kg21$ VT VT HR of V_ O2
number PO (W) PO (W) (kg) (cm) (L$min21) min21) (L$min21) (b$min21) max
1 369 282 133 50.5 3.02 32.1 2.39 162 79
2 381 287 112 24.2 2.95 39.9 2.14 142 73
3 392 312 117 32.7 3.78 44.8 2.54 150 67
4 428 289 118 23.7 3.42 38.5 2.54 155 74
5 303 236 94 14.7 2.93 43.4 1.74 127 60
6 341 287 138 26 3.03 38.6 2.05 149 69
7 427 329 121 38.8 3.63 37 2.27 131 62
Mean 6 SD 377 6 45 289 6 29 119 6 14 30.1 6 11.7 3.25 6 0.35 39.2 6 4.2 2.2 6 0.3 142 6 11 68 6 6
PO = power output; V_ O2max = maximal oxygen uptake; VT = ventilatory threshold; HR = heart rate.
VOLUME 27 | NUMBER 10 | OCTOBER 2013 | 2819
Copyright © National Strength and Conditioning Association Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.Time-Motion Analysis of Canoe Polo
(622)% of the first half and 68 6 29% of the second half of implicated to be because of accumulated fatigue. As a result, it
the games were played at a mean HR intensity that was is possible that players may be less apt to make a high-intensity
above the HR that occurred at VT. move to improve position later in a game because of fatigue. In
addition, understanding fatigue during competition has impor-
Physiological Profile
tant implications for tactical and strategic changes during
The individual fitness scores for each player is shown
a competition and may have an impact on the outcome of
in Table 2. The VT occurred at a V_ O2 of 2.2 6 0.3 L$min21
a game.
and was 69.1 6 6.8% of peak V_ O2. Curls-ups were 31 6 15
In addition, the amount of time spent in the offensive and
repetitions.
defensive zone varied depending on the competition and
competitiveness of the team being observed, the style and
DISCUSSION strategy used in the game and the interaction of these factors
Canoe polo was initially sanctioned in 1989 by the Interna- in consideration of the opposing teams during game play.
tional Canoe Federation, and the first World Championships Interestingly, the amount of time spent in the offense and
were held in 1994. Currently, there has only been 1 study defense zones between the first and second halves demon-
examining the demands of canoe polo in a simulated game; strated a greater amount of time spent in the offense zone in
however, there has been no systematic analysis of specific the first half and subsequently a greater amount of time spent
movements in official international canoe polo games. This in the defensive zone in the second half of the games. These
study has quantified a range of physical and technical data are supported by the difference in the number of passes
variables to examine the physical demands of canoe polo made in the first and second halves (45 vs. 23); however,
at the elite level. This information provides a foundation there were equal numbers of shots in both halves of the 3
for development of more specific fitness assessments and games analyzed. This data may further suggest accumulated
training programs. fatigue during a game or a required change in tactical
The major purpose of this article was to identify the amount strategy between the first and second halves.
of time spent during various movements in canoe polo. This As indicated by the time-motion analysis, canoe polo is an
information has implications for more specific training and intermittent sport and providing HR responses during game
development of sport-specific fitness assessments. The time- play provides a valid and useful global measure of physio-
motion analysis data clearly indicate that international level logical strain (12). The high HR response in all the players
canoe polo consists of high-intensity, intermittent exercise across each game suggests that elite canoe polo game play is
imposing both anaerobic and aerobic demands. The major associated with a very high level of physical exertion. Alves
findings of this study demonstrated that the predominant et al. (2) found a mean HR of 146 6 11 b$min21 during
movements were slow-to-moderate forward paddling (29%), a simulated game; however, in this study during official
contesting for position (28%), and resting and gliding (27%), games at the world championships, the average HR was
while sprinting, backward paddling, turning, and dribbling approximately 12 b$min21 higher. The intensity was at
contributed to the remaining 16%. Sprinting and contesting are a level that elicited a HR that exceeded their VT HR for
associated with higher intensity anaerobic work and were a considerable portion of the game (69 6 20% of the game).
interspersed with less intensive activities such as resting and Bloxham et al. (6) examined the HR response during an
gliding. The proportion of most of these movements was international wheelchair basketball game in paraplegic ath-
similar between the first and second halves of the games, letes and found that 24% of the first half and only 18% of the
although there was less resting and gliding (25 vs. 28%) and second half was played above the HR that corresponded to
more forward paddling (30 vs. 28%) in the first half compared the VT. Lythe and Kilding (20) examined elite field hockey
with that in the second half. With respect to time, the players players and showed that players were .75% of the HRmax
rested and glided 30 seconds more and forward paddled 2 for 90% of the match. Similarly, water polo players achieved
seconds less in the second half of the games. These differences 86–95% of the HRmax during game play (27). Interestingly,
are relatively small and may translate into 1 less set play in the in this study, all the players exceeded their peak HR
second half compared with the first half. This is consistent with achieved the arm crank V_ O2 protocol. This finding can be
previous literature in other team sports that commonly report explained by the idea that on-water paddling involves
similar percent differences between first and second halves a greater amount of active lower body musculature com-
(20,21,25). However, in the case of a soccer match where pared with that exercise on an arm crank ergometer
halves are 45 minutes, a 3% difference in high-intensity forward (7,9,13). As a result, it is possible that the greater lower body
running (25) translates into a 1-minute and 21-second differ- muscle involvement during on-water paddling elicited
ence between halves. The sport most related to canoe polo is a higher peak HR response and previous research compar-
water polo and descriptive information for intensity of swim- ing the arm crank ergometer to kayak ergometry has dem-
ming per quarter played revealed a 3% decrease in moderate onstrated a significantly higher peak V_ O2 and HR on the
intensity movement and a 5.5% decrease in high-intensity kayak ergometer in a laboratory setting (13). Furthermore,
movement from the first to fourth quarter (28) and has been arm cranking is a small muscle mass upper body activity that
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reduces total cardiovascular stress (i.e., peak HR and peak and aerobic energy systems. Training should be divided
V_ O2) during maximal exercise compared with upright lower among the movement categories so that forward paddling
body exercise. In addition, premature fatigue may occur in and contesting comprises in excess of 56% of training time
upper body arm cranking because of the decreased ability to with the remaining time focusing on all the other move-
extract and use oxygen compared with the lower body, thus ments (i.e., sprinting, turning, backwards paddling, and
reducing the total cardiovascular stress including the HR dribbling). This information may also be useful for the
response (8). Finally, it is likely that the motivation and development of a sport-specific field test that would be
game-related effort and stress also contributed to the increased important for training monitoring. For example, this study
peak HR response from the competition. suggests that a field test should incorporate repeated forward
Physiological profiling provides further evidence of the sprints and contesting interspersed with slow easy paddling.
demands of the sport (e.g., training adaptations) and Future research is required to examine the reliability and
knowing the characteristics of elite international players is validity of such a field test. Furthermore, training must
important to evaluate fitness standards. Forbes and Chilibeck consist of activities that stress the cardiovascular system, as
(13) reported a peak V_ O2 of 44.2 ml$kg21$min21 during arm the average HR response was 158 b$min21, and 69% of the
crank ergometry in trained sprint kayakers, whereas Blox- game was above the VT. These cardiovascular demands
ham et al. (6) reported a peak V_ O2 of 37.6 ml$kg21$min21 in were higher than those achieved in a simulated match, sug-
wheelchair athletes involved in international basketball, gesting that training beyond simulated matches is required
which is also a high-intensity intermittent sport. These for preparation at an international level. In addition, it is
results are comparable with the peak V_ O2 results of recommended that further research be conducted to evalu-
39.2 ml$kg21$min21 found in this investigation. These val- ate how a difference in playing style or position influences
ues are notably higher than the mean values reported pre- the physiological demand of the sport of canoe polo in play-
viously in a systematic review for upper body work (26), ers of both international and club levels.
suggesting that aerobic fitness of canoe polo players is an
integral component to the sport. In addition, the VT may ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
also be used as an indicator of aerobic fitness because it This research was funded by the Sport Science Association of
indicates an exercise intensity up to which exercise may be Alberta through the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks,
performed without rapid accumulation of blood lactate as and Wildlife Foundation. The authors declared no conflicts of
a marker of accelerated anaerobic metabolic contribution interest. There are no professional and financial relationships
(5). In this study, VT was achieved at 69% of peak V_ O2 between the authors and companies and manufactures. The
and was similar to that in international level wheelchair bas- results of this study do not constitute endorsement by the
ketball players (6). In addition, the anaerobic and musculo- authors or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
skeletal assessment demonstrated a high level of overall
fitness (6,14); however, grip strength and curl-up results were REFERENCES
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