Stroke Frequency Effects on Coordination and Performance in Elite Kayakers

Objectives: This study aimed to assess stroke coordination and biomechanics in elite U23 male kayakers under valid on-water conditions (instrumented K1 kayak on a competition lake) across race-relevant stroke frequencies (60, 80, and 100 strokes·min−1). Methods: To achieve our aims, twelve male athletes (age 21.00 ± 0.47 years) completed 500 m trials at three randomized paddle frequencies (60, 80, 100 strokes·min−1) with 10 min of passive recovery in-between. Data were collected with inertial measurement units, and a customized seat/footrest with integrated strain-gauge sensors. Results: Principal Component Analysis identified four key components: Mechanical Work, Mechanical Energy, Stroke Variability (PCI, Phase Coordination Index), and boat acceleration, accounting for 76% of total variance. Linear mixed-effects models (within-subject LME; Participant random intercept; Satterthwaite df) revealed that Mechanical Work (χ2 = 17.10, p < 0.001) and Mechanical Energy (χ2 = 53.10, p < 0.001) increased significantly with stroke frequency. Phase Coordination Index showed a significant increase at 60 and 100 strokes·min−1 (χ2 = 16.78, p < 0.001; t = 4.78, p < 0.001), while boat acceleration was not significantly affected (χ2 = 4.95, p = 0.08). The PCI correlated negatively with Mechanical Work (r = −0.37, p = 0.022) and positively with boat acceleration (r = 0.39, p = 0.010). Effect sizes were moderate to large (ηp2 = 0.18–0.36; corresponding 95% confidence intervals are reported in the main text). For the primary mechanical indicator (Paddle Factor), the mixed-effects model yielded a marginal R2 = 0.57, reflecting the proportion of variance explained by cadence. Conclusions: Approximately 80 strokes·min−1 may represent a condition in which coordination metrics appear comparatively favorable. These findings are exploratory and hypothesis-generating, not prescriptive. No causal inference can be drawn, and any training application attempts should await replication in larger, longitudinal and randomized studies.