# Monitoring of Training Load and Body Composition in Elite Male Kayakers
## 4 Discussion  
This study aimed to verify the evolution of several indicators--physiological, body composition, and kayaking performance--during preparatory and transition training periods in elite kayak paddlers. During the preparatory and transition phases of the competitive season, elite male kayakers achieved significant improvements in physiological performance and body composition. These advancements were largely driven by an increase in aerobic power and beneficial changes in body composition. Our kayakers showed average body weight values below those of some international elite kayakers. [PERSON] et al. (2019) found mean values of \(\sim\)86 \(\pm\) 8.1 kg in elite Hungarian kayakers. As in well-trained athletes, the fat mass values are relatively similar; the reduced body weight of the kayakers studied has both advantages and disadvantages. While lower muscle mass may limit the potential for maximum strength development, a lighter body weight could enhance overall efficiency by reducing resistance in the boat. However, maintaining an optimal balance between muscle mass (for power generation) and body weight is crucial for maximizing performance in kayaking. The paddlers in our study showed a higher percentage of body fat than the Hungarian elite kayakers (2019). Some  
Figure 2: Percentage changes from baseline to the preparatory and transition periods of a competitive season of elite male kayakers (N = 8). \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c c c} \hline \hline
**Variable** & **M1** & **M2** & **M3** & \multicolumn{3}{c}{**Training Effect**} \\ \hline
**Supraspinal** & 11.2 & 8.8 & 10.5 & \(-\)2.4 (\(-\)5.4; 0.6) & \(-\)0.7 (\(-\)37; 2.3) & 1.7 (\(-\)1.3; 4.7) \\ (mm) & (8.2; 14.3) & (5.6; 11.8) & (7.5; 13.6) & \(p\) = 0.408; d = \(-\)0.65 & \(p\) = 1.000; d = \(-\)0.19 & \(p\) = 0.842; \(p\) = 0.46 \\
**Abdominal** & 15.7 & 12.7 & 11.5 & \(-\)3.0 (\(-\)4.6; \(-\)1.5) & \(-\)4.3 (\(-\)5.9; \(-\)2.7) & \(-\)1.3 (\(-\)2.8; 0.3) \\ (mm) & (10.7; 20.8) & (7.6; 17.8) & (6.4; 16.5) & \(p\) = 0.005; d = \(-\)0.49 & \(p\) < 0.001; d = \(-\)0.78 & \(p\) = 0.411; d = \(-\)0.28 \\
**Cural** (mm) & 15.5 & 13.8 & 12.8 & \(-\)1.8 (\(-\)3.3; \(-\)0.3) & \(-\)2.7 (\(-\)4.3; \(-\)1.2) & \(-\)1.0 (\(-\)2.5; 0.6) \\
**(10.7; 20.4)** & (8.9; 18.6) & (7.9; 17.7) & \(p\) = 0.105; d = \(-\)0.29 & \(p\) = 0.009; d = \(-\)0.46 & \(p\) = 0.705; d = \(-\)0.17 \\
**Geminal** & 8.7 & 7.3 & 7.4 & \(-\)1.5 (\(-\)2.5; \(-\)0.5) & \(-\)1.3 (\(-\)2.4; \(-\)0.3) & 0.2 (\(-\)1.4; 1.7) \\ (mm) & (4.6; 12.9) & (3.1; 11.4) & (3.3; 11.5) & \(p\) = 0.036; d = \(-\)0.28 & \(p\) = 0.075; d = \(-\)0.26 & \(p\) = 1.000; d = 0.02 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular} Data are presented as estimated marginal means (Emm) and 95%CI. The treatment effect are presented as estimated mean difference (EMD) and 95%CI; Moment 1 (M1); Moment 2 (M2); Moment 3 (M3).  
\end{table} 
Table 5: _Cont._studies highlight the relationship between kayaking performance and total body weight [4], and lean body weight [11], which underlines the importance of strength training and the subsequent development of muscle mass in kayaking which must be accompanied by a reduction in fat mass. Usually, kayakers place an important emphasis on developing their body weight through gaining muscle mass. In our kayakers, lean body weight remained quite stable during the season with an observed decrease in body weight being associated with a reduction in body fat. Usually, during the transition period between seasons, athletes increase their body fat which is lost when training resumes. This was verified in soccer players, sprinters, and endurance runners [12]. The values of body fat found at the peak of the competitive period are like those found by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [13], also in kayakers at a similar moment of the season. Typically, the first training cycle in canoeing, i.e., the preparatory period, places emphasis on continuous loads while in the pre-competitive period, the more intense interval loads are frequently used.