Hiking strap force decreases during sustained upwind sailing |
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| Authors: | R Buchardt J Bay J Bojsen-Møller |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sport, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark;2. Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway |
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| Abstract: | The hypothesis, that sailing upwind in wind speeds above 12 knots causes fatigue, which manifests as a reduction in exerted hiking strap force and/or maximal isometric voluntary contraction force (MVC) of the knee extensors, was evaluated. Additionally, it was investigated if a relationship exists between maximal exerted hiking force (hMVC) and sailing performance. In part 1 of the study, 12 national level athletes sailed upwind for 2?×?10?min while hiking strap forces were continuously acquired. Before, in between and after sailing periods, the MVC of the knee extensors was measured. In part 2 of the study, hMVC was measured dry land in a hiking bench and correlated with the overall results at a national championship. Hiking strap force decreased from the first to the last minute in both 10?min sailing periods (430?±?131 vs. 285?±?130?N, P?<?.001 and 369?±?74 vs. 267?±?97 N, P?<?.001, respectively), but MVC was similar before, between and after the two 10?min sailing periods (878?±?215 vs. 852?±?202 vs. 844?±?211 130?N). In part 2, a significant positive correlation (r2?=?0.619, P?<?.01) was observed between hMVC and regatta results. In conclusion, upwind sailing in wind speeds above 12 knots causes sailing-specific fatigue as evidenced by a marked reduction in exerted hiking strap force. However, MVC of the knee extensors was not compromised ～45?s after hiking was terminated. Additionally, sailing performance is related to maximal hiking force. |
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| Keywords: | Fatigue performance strength sailing |
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