title: Aerobic Evaluation in Elite Slalom Kayakers Using a Tethered Canoe System: A New Proposal.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Among other aspects, aerobic fitness is indispensable for performance in slalom canoe.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To propose the maximal-lactate steady-state (MLSS) and critical-force (CF) tests using a tethered canoe system as new strategies for aerobic evaluation in elite slalom kayakers. In addition, the relationship between the aerobic parameters from these tests and the kayakers' performances was studied.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve male elite slalom kayakers from the Brazilian national team participated in this study. All tests were conducted using a tethered canoe system to obtain the force records. The CF test was applied on 4 d and analyzed by hyperbolic (CFhyper) and linear (CFlin) mathematical models. The MLSS intensity (MLSSint) was obtained by three 30-min continuous tests. The time of a simulated race was considered the performance index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No difference (P < .05) between CFhyper(65.9 ± 1.6 N) and MLSSint(60.3 ± 2.5 N) was observed; however, CFlin(71.1 ± 1.7 N) was higher than MLSSint. An inverse and significant correlation was obtained between MLSSintand performance (r = -.67, P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In summary, MLSS and CF tests on a tethered canoe system may be used for aerobic assessment of elite slalom kayakers. In addition, CFhypermay be used as an alternative low-cost and noninvasive method to estimate MLSSint, which is related with slalom kayakers' performance.
authors.forename: Homero Gustavo
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: Leonardo H D
authors.initials: LHD
authors.lastname: Messias
authors.forename: Ivan G M
authors.initials: IGM
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Claudio A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Gobatto
authors.forename: Filipe A B
authors.initials: FAB
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.forename: Camila C S
authors.initials: CCS
authors.lastname: Serra
authors.forename: Fúlvia B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Manchado-Gobatto
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold; D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance; D001938:Brazil; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D000073678:Water Sports; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid
keywords: canoe slalom; critical power; maximal lactate steady state; performance