Anthropometric, physical fitness and mental toughness of canoe polo athletes

This study aimed to compare the anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness, and mental toughness components between elite and junior team canoe polo in Malaysia. Participants were 20 elite paddlers and 20 junior paddlers of Johor and Wilayah Persekutuan state (n=40; male: 20 and female: 20). Participants underwent an anthropometric measurement (height, body mass, body mass index, body fat, skeletal muscles mass, visceral fat, and arm span), physical fitness test (push up, sit up, back extension, plank and 1.6km) and Psychology Performance Inventory (PPI) administration. The findings showed that there are significant differences between elite and junior in body mass (t=2.582, 0.015, p<0.05), skeletal muscles (t=4.780, 0.030, p<0.05), visceral fat (t=2.318, 0.026, p<0.05) and arm span (t=2.693, 0.011, p<0.05). There are also significant differences in all physical fitness components between elite and junior team including push up (t=3.874, 0.000, p<0.05), sit up (t=2.787, 0.008, p<0.05), back extension (t=2.279, 0.029, p<0.05), plank (t=4.679, 0.000, p<0.05) and 1.6km run test (t=-3.085, 0.004, p<0.05). There are significant differences on negative energy between men and women elite and junior canoe polo players (t=2.45, 0.02, p<0.05), visual and imagery (t=-1.25, 0.01, p<0.05) toughness between men and women elite and junior canoe polo players and the positive energy (t=-4.25, 0.00, p<0.05) and attitude control (t=-2.84, 0.01, p<0.05) between national and state elite and junior canoe polo players. In conclusion, the results showed that paddlers with longer arm spans have more canoe polo advantages. In terms of fitness level, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and aerobic capacity are essential components to excel in this sport. Meanwhile, the level of mental strength is important for performance development of each athlete and varies according to individual psychological health. These findings help coaches conduct talent identification programs and plan training programs for athletes.