Browsing by Author "Lippstreu, Christopher Emil"
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- ItemThe effects of core strength training on canoeists(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006-12) Lippstreu, Christopher Emil; Terblanche, Elmarie; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a core strength training program on the core muscle strength and stability of canoeists, and to investigate whether a core strength training program could improve canoe performance. Twelve canoeists, five men (mean age= 23 ±SD 3.24 years, range 18 - 28) and three women (mean age= 21.3 ±SD 3.23 years, range 18 - 24) formed the experimental group and three men (mean age= 23 ±SD 4.73 years, range 18 - 27) and one woman (21 years) formed the control group. Core stability was tested with five core stability tests and two balance tests. Canoe performance was tested with a six minute sub-maximal canoe test and four minute sprint test on a kayak ergometer. Subjects were tested under stable and unstable conditions for both canoe tests. Testing occurred before and after the intervention program. The experimental group performed two core stability training sessions per week for eight weeks, while the control group continued with their own training programs, which did not include core stability training. The experimental group showed significant improvements in two of the core stability tests after the intervention program (p < 0.05). There were no other significant improvements with any of the other core stability and balance tests in either the experimental or control groups. There were no significant differences in the sprint tests for both the experimental and control group pre-and post-testing. In the sub-maximal test, the experimental group, under unstable conditions, showed a significant improvement in mean power output, with a concomitant non-significant decrease in oxygen consumption, heart rate and minute ventilation after the intervention program (p < 0.05). It appears that a core strength training program may positively affect core stability and improve the paddling economy of a canoeist at a sub-maximal intensity. Choice of exercises in the core strength training program could be a reason for the lack of improvement in the unstable sprint test in the experimental group.