Contextual overview
The research suggests that coaches should monitor lateral asymmetry as a key metric for performance. Managed within elite thresholds, specific lower-limb and core asymmetries are associated with higher competitive success in the kneeling canoe position.
Original publication abstract
This 2024 study published in Symmetry investigates how lateral asymmetries in elite canoeists relate to their competitive performance. Results indicate that specific patterns of lower-limb strength and muscle contraction speed can predict performance levels, with a model explaining approximately 45% of the variability in canoe-specific performance. Lateral asymmetry is identified as a defining characteristic of elite canoeists due to the sport's unilateral nature.
Check the original article for the population, device, protocol and limitations before applying its results to a different configuration.