Sealey, Rebecca M., Leicht, Anthony S., and Ness, Kevin (2012) Effect of stroke rate on performance and physiological demand of outrigger canoeing ergometry. European Journal of Sport Science, 12 (1). pp. 43-48.

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Abstract

Outrigger canoeists adopt a variety of racing stroke rates without scientific basis. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of self-selected and imposed slow (Hawaiian) and fast (Tahitian) stroke rates on 1000-m outrigger ergometer performance and physiological demand to determine which stroke rate was best for performance. Female outrigger canoeists (n=17) completed 1000-m ergometer time trials using a self-selected, Hawaiian (≤55 strokes · min−1) and Tahitian (≥65 strokes · min−1) stroke rate. Performance time and physiological demand were compared for the overall 1000 m and for each 250-m split across trials. There was no significant difference in performance time between the Hawaiian (mean value 358 s, s=30) and Tahitian (mean value 357 s, s=28) trials with both trials significantly faster than the self-selected trial (mean value 371 s, s=38) (P < 0.05). The Hawaiian trial resulted in significantly lower physiological demand than the Tahitian and self-selected trials. When choosing their stroke rate, female outrigger canoeists perform sub-optimally. The Hawaiian stroke rate resulted in the same performance time as the Tahitian stroke rate but with reduced physiological demand. Outrigger canoe coaches should employ a slower stroke rate of ≤ 55 strokes · min−1 to optimize 1000-m performance and minimize physiological demand that may lead to fatigue across multiple races.

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