None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Attempts have been made to predict kayak performance at the elite level by measuring parameters such as physiological conditioning, body measurements and flexibility. However, certain areas of the body that have been identified as regions of high strain during kayak paddling have not been studied for their effect on performance. The spine is an example of one of these regions. The aim of this project is to test the effect of spinal manipulative therapy on the performance of elite kayakers. The study will measure the change in stroke pattern, rowing performance and muscle activation following administration of a stretching program with and without spinal manipulation. Rowing performance will be assessed on an ergometer (fixed rowing machine). Stroke pattern analysis will be conducted using a multi-camera digital recording system while muscle activation will be assessed using surface electromyography (EMG). All of these measures will be taken pre and post rowing performance.
Interventions
Spinal manipulation: High velocity low amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation to the thoracic spine and associated rib articulations. One intervention session per participant. Each session lasts for 5 minutes.
Stretching routine: Consists of 4 general stretches applied to each side of the body (right and left) and held for 30 seconds each. Total time of stretching routine = 5 minutes.
Participants undergo a 5 minute rowing performance immediately followed by stretching routine which is then immed
Spinal manipulation: High velocity low amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation to the thoracic spine and associated rib articulations. One intervention session per participant. Each session lasts for 5 minutes. Stretching routine: Consists of 4 general stretches applied to each side of the body (right and left) and held for 30 seconds each. Total time of stretching routine = 5 minutes. Participants undergo a 5 minute rowing performance immediately followed by stretching routine which is then immediately followed by spinal manipulation which is then immediately followed by a 2nd 5 minute rowing performance. This is a crossover trial with a washout period of 48 hours.
Sponsors
Macquarie University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Current member of the Australian kayak rowing squad.
Exclusion criteria
Currently pregnant. Current injury that prevents them rowing at their 'normal' performance level.
Outcome results
None listed