Possibilities of influencing muscle imbalances in canoeists through physiotherapy

This bachelor's thesis deals with muscle imbalances in canoeists and possibilities of their influence through physiotherapy. Canoeing, specifically whitewater kayaking, is a power-endurance water sport, whose goal is to pass across the river stretch as soon as possible. This sport puts high demands on the shoulder muscles and the trunk, on which different muscle imbalances arise, that are impaired by inappropriate compensatory exercise and poor stretching and can lead to injury. The aim of this thesis is to find out, what muscle imbalances and postural disorders occur in canoeists (whitewater kayakers) and how can one influence these problems with physiotherapy. The first (theoretical) part describes the general knowledge about canoeing - history, characteristics and the kinesiology of the paddling movement. Furthermore, sports training, muscle imbalances and sport medicine are generally described there. The second (practical) part describes the physiotherapeutical methods used in this study. It also contains the results of the research itself, which was processed in the form of case studies. Each case study comprises of anamnesis, initial kinesiological examination, the course of the individual therapies, final kinesiological examination and the final evaluation of therapy. The research lasted in the lenght of 8 therapies. The research showed, that the most common muscle imbalances in whitewater kayakers are: weakening of the deep stabilization system, upper cross syndrome and shortening of the hip flexors. With these imbalances are associated postural disorders in the form of increased lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis, shoulder protraction and forwarded head posture. This thesis can be used in the practice of physiotherapy, sports coaches or as an educational material for a specific group of sportsman