Training of young female kayak sprint rowers in yearly cycle and changes of their physical and functional capacities

Kayak and canoe rowing is in the list of priority sports in Lithuania. Competitive distances of kayak rowing are included into the program of Olympic Games. Lithuanian canoe and kayak rowers hold numerous awards in international competitions. Constantly growing competitiveness in world canoe and kayak sport proves the fact that training of young kayak rowers depends on many factors, the most important of which appears to be purposeful way of training process and its management with regard to individual features of athletes’ body adaptation to training and competition loads. The aim of the work was to provide analysis on young Lithuanian kayak rowers’ training and change of their physical and functional capacities during yearly training cycle. In Sport Science Institute laboratory of Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences, research was carried out on two Lithuanian young kayak rowers (female), aged 18 and 23. Analysis was carried out on the training load, carried out by the athletes during one year period, altogether providing analysis on the best young female kayak rower’s physical and functional capacities change over the year, summarizing her achieved sport results during the competitions season. The study showed a proper organization of the young Lithuanian kayak rowers’ training process. Volume of yearly training load reached 786 hours. During one year, young kayak rowers performed 367 training sessions and rowed 3246 km on the water. Analysis of the training load according to intensity zones shows that the greatest part of the load – 58 %, was carried out in the first intensity zone (PR under 150 b/min). In the second zone of intensity, when PR reaches 151–170 b/min, 32 % of the total rowing volume was carried out, while 10 % of the work was performed in the third zone (PR – over 171 b/min). Performed three testings of the young kayak rower showed increasing tendency of her physical preparation during yearly training cycle, reaching the highest level in competitive period. The result of the athlete D. S. performed 200 m simulation test increased from 48,0 to 45,5 s, and G. Š. – from 50.0 to 48,0 s. Functional capacity indices of blood circulation system in the investigated young athletes – resting pulse rate and pulse rate after standard load, as well as Ruffier index used to increase along with the improvement of the athlete’s body condition. Kayak rower D. S. was successful in Lithuanian and international competitions. She became the winner in Youth Championship, won the second place in Lithuanian Championship and had success participating in World Students’ Kayak Rowing Championship