2025, Vol. 12, Issue 3, Part E

Background: Kayaking is a power and endurance-based aquatic sport requiring high levels of physical fitness and technical skill. Despite its growing popularity in India, limited research has been conducted on the effect of structured training on female kayakers. This study aimed to assess the impact of periodized systematic training on the physical, motor, and physiological performance of young Indian female kayakers.

Methodology: A total of 29 female kayakers aged 14-22 years with at least three years of experience were selected from a national training camp. Throughout an annual macrocycle, athletes underwent periodized training, divided into eight phases. Training targeted physical (strength, endurance, speed, coordination, flexibility), technical, tactical, and psychological components. Performance was measured using anthropometric data, strength tests (e.g., bench press, sit-ups, push-ups), agility (shuttle run), aerobic/anaerobic capacity (VO2 max, 2.4 km run), and flexibility. Data were analyzed using SPSS v23.0 with ANOVA and post hoc testing.

Results: Systematic training led to significant improvements across several performance parameters. Sit-ups, push-ups, bench press, vertical jump, shuttle run, VO2 max, flexibility, and haemoglobin levels all showed statistically significant enhancement, particularly in the GPP phase (p<0.001). The 2.4 km run times decreased steadily, indicating an improvement in aerobic capacity. Height and weight remained statistically unchanged (p>0.05). Push-up and sit-up performance exceeded international benchmarks. VO2 max improved from 35.39±3.07 to 44.84±2.82 ml/kg/min (p<0.001), and haemoglobin increased significantly from 11.52±1.14 to 13.32±0.86 g/dL.

Conclusion: The structured training program had a positive impact on the physical and physiological development of Indian female kayakers. Training emphasises endurance, strength, agility, and flexibility across specific training periods, resulting in substantial athletic gains, proving beneficial for competitive performance.