Effect of stroke rate on performance and physiological demand of outrigger canoeing ergometry

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.