The physiological, musculoskeletal and psychological effects of stand up paddle boarding

Exploring the quality of participation and strategies to support meaningful engagement in an adapted paddleboard program among individuals with disabilities

AIM

Adapted paddleboard provides an outdoor leisure-time physical activities (LTPA) opportunity with many health benefits (e.g., physical activity, reduced stress, social engagement). However, nearly 50% of individuals with disabilities do not participate in any LTPA. Quality of LTPA participation influences sustainable adherence, while optimizing participant experiences. An adapted paddleboard program is offered in Quebec City, for adults with physical disabilities, but little is known about how participants perceive their quality of participation. This study aimed to describe individuals with disabilities' perceived quality of participation in the adapted paddleboard program, and to explore their suggestions of strategies to support meaningful engagement in the program.

METHODS

An ethnographic mixed-methods design was conducted, consisting of participant observations during the 13-week program and semi-structured interviews based on the Quality Parasport Participation Framework (QPPF). Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation (MeEAP) questionnaire were collected. A mixed approach of data analysis was used for qualitative data and descriptive statistics were conducted for quantitative data.

RESULTS

Nine participants (8F) with various disabilities (42±15 years old) participated in the study. Emergent dimensions of quality of participation included belongingness and autonomy. Facilitators to participation were identified, such as autonomy support through volunteers and provision of adaptive equipment. Barriers to participation included water access and level of individual challenge. Suggested strategies to improve engagement included water access closer to parking and multiple groups for variable skill levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants expressed high-quality of participation in adapted paddleboarding. The study allows the development of knowledge about conditions that enhance the experience of participating in outdoor LTPA.

Shoulder, Trunk, and Hip Sagittal Plane Kinematics during Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) as both a competitive and recreational sport has grown in popularity over the last decade. Better understanding paddling kinematics is beneficial for both injury prevention and informing coaching practices in this growing sport. The purpose of this study was to analyze sagittal plane kinematics during both standing and kneeling paddling postures commonly adopted by injury-free, recreational SUP participants. Eighteen recreational SUP participants (seven males/eleven females) were asked to complete a series of paddling tasks on a SUP ergometer in two postures, during which kinematic data were acquired. Sagittal plane kinematic data were analyzed for joint excursion, or range of motion used, while paddling on both sides of the body in each posture. Analysis of variance was used to compare joint excursions across tasks. There were no significant differences in hip or trunk sagittal plant excursion between postures. However, there was significantly greater sagittal plane excursion at the shoulder in the kneeling as compared to the standing posture with the shoulder opposite the paddling side demonstrating the greatest total excursion. These results help establish the parameters of the paddling technique currently in use among injury-free SUP participants and may be used in the future to inform coaching practices.

Injuries and Use of Safety Equipment in Stand-up Paddle Boarding

Background:

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a water sport that has gained in popularity. Still, very little is known about its injury profile.

Purpose:

To analyze the incidence, mechanisms, and risk factors for SUP-related injuries in mainly calm waters and the use of safety equipment.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

The authors distributed an online survey that gathered information on characteristics, injury history over the past 12 months, use of (safety) equipment, and health issues of SUP riders in German-speaking countries.

Results:

A total of 438 participants completed the survey. The mean participant age was 45 years (range, 8-82 years), 48% were female athletes, and 19.6% took part in competitions. Over the past 12 months, 72 (17%) of 431 respondents experienced a SUP-related injury, resulting in an overall incidence rate (IR) of 1.95 injuries per 1000 hours of activity. Male competitive athletes using a hardboard had the highest risk of injury. The IR for competitive riders was higher (3.21 injuries per 1000 hours) than that for recreational riders (1.41 injuries per 1000 hours). Mechanisms of injury were overuse (n = 29) and contact with the board (n = 18) or ground (n = 12). Injuries affected mainly muscles/tendons and joints of the upper arm/shoulder (n = 20), followed by wrist/hand (n = 18), knee (n = 16), elbow/forearm (n = 12), and foot (n = 11). The highest risk of injury occurred when paddling in wild water (33.3%), followed by SUP surfing (29.4%), and the lowest risk occurred while paddling on a lake (16.1%). A life vest was always used by 27, depending on the situation by 201, and never by 202 participants; a leash was always used by 161, depending on the situation by 244, and never by 26 participants. Of the 272 participants who paddled in winter, 253 wore a drysuit or wetsuit, whereas 19 paddled without any special clothing.

Conclusion:

SUP-related injuries predominantly happened in wild water or while SUP surfing, and male competitive athletes using a hardboard had the highest risk of injury. The main mechanisms of injury were overuse and hitting the board or ground. The upper extremity was more prone to injury, followed by the knee and foot. More effort should be made to educate paddlers on the necessity and correct use of the life vest, leash, and specialized outfits.

Effect of Stand-Up Paddle Boarding on Hydration Status in Recreational and Competitive Individuals

Stand up paddle (SUP) boarding is a popular water-based aquatic sport and recreational activity that continues to grow in popularity, however, little is known about its effect upon hydration status in recreational and elite level participants. The aim of this study was to examine the hydration status in SUP by investigating fluid loss through measurement of nude body mass. Thirty participants successfully completed the study. Hydration status was assessed by measurements of nude body mass taken pre and post SUP session. Intensity of the session was monitored throughout each session using a telemetry heart rate (HR) monitor; both mean and maximum HRs were assessed. Environmental conditions were recorded prior to each session and participants rated perceived hydration pre and post activity. SUP sessions average duration was 68 ± 13 mins (mean HR: 135 ± 20 bpm, peak HR: 167.1 ± 12 bpm). The average mass lost in a SUP session was 0.82 ± 0.4 kg (absolute), 0.03 ± 1 (relative BMI), 0.43 ± 0.2 (relative BSA) and the overall percentage of loss was 1.2 ± 0.6 % (p < 0.01, d = 0.47). Key predictors (p < 0.05) of fluid loss included ambient air temperature, gender (males), mean HR and SUP session duration. Results from this study suggest that SUP participants may require fluid loss monitoring to allow for effective rehydration strategies. Pre-hydration strategies are also recommended to avoid dehydration which is associated with decreased performance (aerobic and strength), increased core temperature, heart rate and may lead to detrimental health outcomes such as renal failure and heat illness in extreme circumstances.

Insight Into the Development and Competitiveness of Male UK-Based Stand-up Paddleboard Flatwater Distance Racing From 2013 to 2017

ABSTRACT

Dyer, B. Insight into the development and competitiveness of male UK-based stand-up paddleboard flatwater distance racing from 2013 to 2017. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 535-541, 2021-An analysis of 2 stand-up paddleboard "distance" events was undertaken to investigate any change in their participation, racing behavior, and whether such events should be approached differently by practitioners. The completion time paddler-to-paddler gap was investigated as a means of assessing the performances in 2 flatwater distance events from 2013 to 2017. The level of participation at these events had not noticeably changed. An analysis indicated that both events did not significantly change in their completion time paddler-to-paddler range from year to year when looking at 3 subgroups (p > 0.05) and did not differ significantly in behavior when normalized against each other (p > 0.05). Post hoc tests revealed that the paddler time gaps at an event held in 2015 were significantly different when compared with all the other years it had taken place (p < 0.05). The use of a performance intensity chart indicated that there was different finishing paddler-to-paddler gap behavior between the 2 events. Ultimately, it is proposed that athletes and coaches should be aware that 2 events with the same generic classification of being designated a "distance event" may warrant different training methodologies and tactical decision-making.

All aboard: users' experiences of adapted paddling programs

PURPOSE

Research has yet to examine the experiences of paddle boarders, or of kayakers with disabilities other than spinal cord injuries. The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of kayakers and paddle boarders in two adaptive paddling programs.

METHOD

Participants were children and adults requiring physical, cognitive, and/or psychosocial supports. Using an ethnographic approach, participant observations (n = 24) and semi-structured interviews (n = 11) were completed. Data were analyzed thematically.

RESULT

We identified three main themes. "Different Strokes" described the personal meaning participants ascribed to aspects of paddling, including valuing fun, exercise and relaxation. "Turning the Tide" illustrated the process of becoming a paddler, from doubting capacity to feeling competent. "Headwinds" explored paddlers' interactions with the broader social, institutional, and economic environments, such as inadequate funding and program aversion to risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Programs offering a variety of adaptive paddle boarding and kayaking configurations enable paddlers to make valued choices about their participation. In addition to providing equipment and support to meet paddlers' functional abilities, program developers and clinicians should also consider individual preferences for exercise, socialization, risk taking, self-presentation of disability, and independence.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPeople living with physical, cognitive, and/or psychosocial impairments perceive kayaking and paddle boarding as meaningful activities offering opportunities to exercise, have fun, achieve goals, socialize, and/or relax on the water.Kayakers and paddle boarders value equipment options that meet their physical and disability-disclosure preferences.Despite the existence of adaptive paddling programs, participation may be restricted by program availability, risk management policies, and leisure funding.

Musculoskeletal Injury in Paddle Sport Athletes

INTRODUCTION

Kayak racing has been an Olympic sport since 1936. The sport is evolving with the introduction of ocean skis and stand-up-paddle boards (SUP). Musculoskeletal injury incidence surveys have been conducted for ultra-marathon events, but no data have been published for other racing formats.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and compare the rates and types of injuries sustained by paddling athletes as a function of discipline and training parameters in Sprint, Marathon, Ultra-Marathon, and Ocean events.

METHODS

Competitors from 6 kayak and/or ocean surf-ski races in Australia were surveyed. Before each race, competitors were asked to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire investigated paddling-related injuries over the previous 5 years, athlete morphology, flexibility, equipment and its setup, training volume, and environment.

RESULTS

Five hundred eighty-three competitors were surveyed. Disciplines included 173 racing-kayak (K1), 202 touring-kayak, 146 ocean-skis, 42 SUP, and 20 other. The top 5 paddling-related injuries were shoulder (31%), low back (23.5%), wrist (16.5%), neck (13.7%), and elbow (11.0%). The highest percentage of injury was found in K1 paddlers for shoulder (40.5%), SUP for low back (33.3%), and ocean-ski for wrist (22.6%). After controlling for on-water training hours, the relative risk (RR) of wrist injury was significantly increased in ocean-ski paddlers (1.86) and in paddlers with decreased flexibility (1.53-1.83). Relative risk of shoulder and low-back injury was significantly increased in athletes with lower training volumes (1.82-2.07). Younger athletes had lower RR of wrist and shoulder injury (0.58-0.62).

The physiological and perceptual responses of stand-up paddle board exercise in a laboratory- and field-setting

This study quantified the physiological and perceptual responses of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) during a range of stroke rates in a laboratory- and field-setting. Ten participants (eight male, two female; mean ± standard deviation [SD] age: 23 ± 3 years; body mass: 70.5 ± 9.1 kg; height: 170 ± 9 cm; body mass index [BMI]: 24.3 ± 1.5 kg m²) completed a SUP ⩒O_2peak trial, and two SUP trials in both a laboratory- and field-setting (5-min at 10, 20 and 30 strokes min^-1 per stage). Energy expenditure (EE), metabolic equivalents (METs), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout. In the laboratory-setting, mean ± SD EE and METs increased (P < .001) linearly when SUP at 10 (3.3 ± 1.0 kcal min^-1, 2.7 ± 0.5), 20 (5.5 ± 0.9 kcal min^-1, 4.4 ± 0.7) and 30 strokes min^-1 (7.6 ± 1.6 kcal min^-1, 6.1 ± 1.2), respectively. During these efforts, mean ± SD percentage of maximal HR were 56 ± 5%, 69 ± 6% and 84 ± 8%, respectively. In the field-setting, mean ± SD EE and METs also increased (P < .001) linearly when SUP at 10 (3.6 ± 0.9 kcal min^-1, 2.7 ± 0.9), 20 (4.3 ± 1.8 kcal min^-1, 3.5 ± 1.0) and 30 strokes min^-1 (6.3 ± 2.1 kcal min^-1, 4.6 ± 1.4). During the three conditions, mean ± SD percentage of maximal HR were 58 ± 8%, 65 ± 7% and 73 ± 9%. SUP at ≥20 strokes min^-1 in the laboratory- and field-setting meet the criteria for moderate-intensity exercise (3.0-5.9 METs). These findings may now be included in the latest Compendium of Physical Activities guidelines and offer the potential to improve cardiorespiratory fitness if SUP is undertaken regularly by young, healthy adults.

A biomechanical analysis of the stand-up paddle board stroke: a comparative study

Background

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing global aquatic sport, with increasing popularity among participants within recreation, competition and rehabilitation. To date, few scientific studies have focused on SUP. Further, there is no research examining the biomechanics of the SUP paddle stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in kinematics existed among experienced and inexperienced SUP participants using three-dimensional motion analysis. This data could be of significance to participants, researchers, coaches and health practitioners to improve performance and inform injury minimization strategies.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational design study was performed with seven experienced and 19 inexperienced paddlers whereby whole-body kinematic data were acquired using a six-camera Vicon motion capture system. Participants paddled on a SUP ergometer while three-dimensional range of motion (ROM) and peak joint angles were calculated for the shoulders, elbows, hips and trunk. Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted on the non-normally distributed data to evaluate differences between level of expertise.

Results

Significant differences in joint kinematics were found between experienced and inexperienced participants, with inexperienced participants using greater overall shoulder ROM (78.9° ± 24.9° vs 56.6° ± 17.3°, p = 0.010) and less hip ROM than the experienced participants (50.0° ± 18.5° vs 66.4° ± 11.8°, p = 0.035). Experienced participants demonstrated increased shoulder motion at the end of the paddle stoke compared to the inexperienced participants (74.9° ± 16.3° vs 35.2° ± 28.5°, p = 0.001 minimum shoulder flexion) and more extension at the elbow (6.0° ± 9.2° minimum elbow flexion vs 24.8° ± 13.5°, p = 0.000) than the inexperienced participants.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate several significant kinematic differences between the experienced and inexperienced SUP participants. These variations in technique were noted in the shoulder, elbow and hip and are evident in other aquatic paddling sports where injury rates are higher in these joints. These finding may be valuable for coaches, therapists and participants needing to maximize performance and minimize injury risk during participation in SUP.

The Effect of Environmental Conditions on the Physiological Response during a Stand-Up Paddle Surfing Session

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) surfing entails riding breaking waves and maneuvering the board on the wave face in a similar manner to traditional surfing. Despite some scientific investigations on SUP, little is known about SUP surfing. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological response during SUP surfing sessions and to determine how various environmental conditions can influence this response. Heart rate (HR) of an experienced male SUP surfer aged 43 was recorded for 14.9 h during ten surfing sessions and synced with on board video footage to enable the examination of the effect of different surfing modes and weather conditions on exercise intensity. Results indicated that the SUP surfer’s HR was above 70% of HR_max during 85% of each session, with the greatest heart rates found during falls off the board (~85% HR_max) and while paddling back to the peak (~83% HR_max). Total time surfing a wave was less than 5%, with the majority of time spent paddling back into position. Wind speed positively correlated with HR (r = 0.75, p < 0.05) and wave height negatively correlated with wave caching frequency (r = 0.73, p < 0.05). The results highlight the aerobic fitness for SUP surfing, where wave riding, paddling back to the peak, and falls appear to be associated with the greatest cardiovascular demand and demonstrate that environmental conditions can have an effect on the physiological response during SUP surfing sessions.

Exploring the Utilisation of Stand up Paddle Boarding in Australia

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) has grown exponentially in the last few years with unprecedented participation rates globally. Despite some scientific research on physiological and performance variables, minimal information exists regarding participation and utilisation. The purpose of this study was to discover more about how and where people participate in the relatively new sport of SUP. An open-source online survey application was administered internationally to active SUP participants to capture information relevant to both demographics and participation. Of a total of 240 responses, 154 (64.2%) were Australian. The average SUP rider was 42.9 ± 11.7 years, mass 80.4 ± 18.7 kg, 1.75 ± 0.10 m tall with a BMI of 26.1 ± 4.9. More males (69.5%) participate in SUP than females with the majority of participants from the eastern seaboard of Australia. Participants most commonly used SUP for fun and fitness, for around 3 h per week, predominantly at the beach with friends, with around half of the respondents reporting a competitive involvement. This is the first study to date to quantify participation of SUP within Australia. Results revealed SUP is a global activity with a high representation within Australia. Key findings from this study reveal the geographical and demographic distribution of SUP use. Consequently, these findings may inform the industry about its target audience. Additionally, information regarding the 'typical' SUP rider may serve to further promote and grow the sport.

Epidemiology of Injuries in Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Background:

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a recreational activity and sport that has grown exponentially, with participation increasing from 1.1 million in 2010 to 2.8 million in 2014 in the United States alone. Despite this growth in participation, SUP remains underresearched with regard to injury epidemiology.

Purpose:

To investigate injury epidemiology (severity, location, type, mechanism) in SUP.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

An open-source online survey was administered to active SUP participants internationally. The survey captured information relevant to demographics, participation, and injury history over the past 12 months.

Results:

Of 240 participants included in the data analysis, 67.1% were males, and 54.6% were involved in competition. Participants spent a mean 192.6 ± 179.5 hours participating in SUP per year, most commonly for fun and fitness (43.3%) at the beach or bay (63.0%). A total of 95 participants had sustained at least 1 injury. A total of 161 injuries were recorded, resulting in an injury rate of 3.63 (95% CI, 3.04-4.16) per 1000 hours of SUP. The shoulder/upper arm was the most frequently injured body location, accounting for 32.9% of all injuries, followed by the lower back (14.3%) and the elbow/forearm (11.8%). The most common injury types were to muscle/tendon (50.4%), joint/ligament (22.6%), and skin (14.2%). Endurance paddling was the most frequently reported mechanism of injury (34.5%), followed by contact with a paddler’s own board (20.1%) and sprint paddling (9.3%). Key risk factors for sustaining an injury were age >46 years, competitive status, and participating for >4.8 hours/week, as well as using SUP for racing.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to report injury epidemiology for SUP. It is evident that both sexes participate in SUP for fun, fitness, and competition. With regard to injuries, the shoulder, lower back, and elbow are the most injury prone; older age, competitive status, and longer hours of participation all influenced the chance of injury. Findings from this study provide the foundation for injury prevention strategies.