Comparison of Physical and Specific Physical Fitness components Between Sprint Canoe and Canoe Slalom Athletes: A Case study

OBJECTIVES This case study aimed to compare the physical and specific physical fitness characteristics of sprint canoe and canoe slalom athletes, thereby identifying discipline-specific physiological and biomechanical demands that can inform tailored training strategies.METHODS Eleven male canoeists (sprint canoe = 5, canoe slalom = 6) participated in a comprehensive physical assessment comprising physical fitness tests (grip and back strength, sit-up, push-up, standing long jump, balance, reaction time, sit-and-reach, and trunk extension), isokinetic trunk strength and power at 60°/s and 120°/s, a 30-s Wingate cycle-ergometer test, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests.RESULTS Significant differences among groups were observed in physical fitness (right-hand grip strength, back strength, sit-ups, push-ups, reaction time, and sit-and-reach), specific physical fitness [isokinetic trunk strength: extensor (Nm, %BW) and flexor (Nm, %BW) at 60°/sec and 120°/sec; anaerobic power: peak power, peak power (W/kg), and average power (W/kg)], and cardiopulmonary fitness (maximal exercise time).CONCLUSIONS Sprint canoe athletes showed superior strength, trunk muscle function, and anaerobic power, whereas canoe slalom athletes tended to exhibit better balance and agility. Therefore, training should be tailored to the characteristics of each discipline, emphasizing power and strength development for sprint canoeists and focusing on core stabilization and agility improvement for slalom canoeists.