title: Hiking strap force decreases during sustained upwind sailing.
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.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sport , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buchardt
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sport , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bay
authors.affiliation: b Department of Physical Performance , Norwegian School of Sport Sciences , Oslo , Norway.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bojsen-Møller
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sport , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark.
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Nordsborg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology*; D012767:Ships; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Fatigue; performance; sailing; strength