Hammer Factor – Episode 60, ‘Paddle Offset Research, Climate Change Kayaking And Banned Listeners’

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In this episode, we bring J.T. Hartman on the show to discuss his advanced biomechanics research on the "Differences in Core Rotation and Maximum Forward Reach between Whitewater Kayakers using Feathered and Unfeathered Paddle Blades".  See the results of the study below!  As well we have American Meteorological Society Award winner and very special guest, Dr. J. Tom Farrar, on to discuss the effects of man-made climate change on whitewater kayaking.  Finally, we cover listener mail and of course rants and raves!  As always thank you for listening.

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Differences in Core Rotation and Maximum Forward Reach between Whitewater Kayakers using Feathered and Unfeathered Paddle Blades

by: Elizabeth Prewitt, Jamie Lange, and J.T. Hartman

EXSC 436: Advanced Biomechanics

11 December, 2018

Abstract:

Introduction: The growth in popularity of whitewater kayaking has warranted an expansion of scientific research surrounding the sport. To date, much of the research pertaining to the sport has been centered around Olympic-style flatwater sprint kayaking. Significant research has been done on kayaking-specific kinetic variables, but very little has looked at kinematic variables of kayakers themselves. Whitewater paddlers often utilize feathered paddle blades as a way to maximize power output resulting from increasing core rotation and forward reach.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to determine the differences in trunk range of motion and maximum forward reach between kayakers using feathered and unfeathered paddle blades. Hypothesis: The researchers in this study hypothesized that there would be no difference in trunk range of motion or maximum forward reach between kayakers using feathered and unfeathered paddle blades.

Methods: Six active participants from the University of Puget Sound Kayak Club with at least one year of kayak experience volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects came into the lab on two separate occasions consisting of a familiarization trial and experimental trial. In the experimental trial, participants paddled for multiple stroke cycles while being recorded from the transverse plane, using both paddle conditions. Statistical analysis including descriptive means and inferential statistics (t-tests) were performed.

Results: After a paired-samples t-test, a significant difference was found between core rotation and reach, when performed in different paddle conditions -- feathered and unfeathered (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The researchers conclude that the use of unfeathered paddle blades leads to improved trunk ROM and maximum forward reach when compared to the use of feathered paddle blades in whitewater kayakers.

Keywords: whitewater kayaking, core rotation, reach, feathered and unfeathered paddle

Introduction:

        Whitewater kayaking is gaining popularity in the realm of extreme outdoor-based sports. Participation in the sport includes outdoor enthusiasts, professional athletes, and even active military personnel and veterans. Since 2004, nine military-affiliated medical centers have adopted some form of kayaking into their rehabilitation programs with an additional nine Veterans Affairs centers expressing interest a...