## 4 Discussion
These results have been supported by previous proportionality investigations where similar tendencies toward larger upper-body dimensions were observed, not only in senior competitors [11] but also along the transition from lower age groups to adult categories [13]. During a kayak race, an efficient propulsion is largely dependent on a balanced combination of kinematics that usually change from one section to another for optimal performance [20]. More successful paddlers typically use greater stroke rates and longer stroke lengths than sub-elite competitors, resulting in significantly higher boat velocities [2]. However, at the end of races, when fatigue is more pronounced, minimizing the decreases in stroke rate while maintaining stroke length seems to determine effective performances [4]. Our results revealed significant positive correlations between variables such as stroke rate and stroke index and both STS and LTS measures. These findings provide further support to the existing theory suggesting that higher values of STS and LTS are associated with improved performance in canoeing [22]. Stroke rate and stroke index are widely recognized as important kinematic variables related to performance in canoeing [20]. These variables are indicators of efficiency and effectiveness in propelling the canoe forward. Our study demonstrated that individuals with higher STS and LTS values tended to exhibit higher stroke rates and stroke indices, indicating a smoother and more consistent paddling technique. The positive correlations observed between STS, LTS, and these classic kinematic variables suggest that steadiness measures play a crucial role in optimizing canoeing performance. Individuals with better short-term and long-term steadiness are likely to maintain a more consistent and efficient paddling rhythm, resulting in an increased stroke rate and stroke index. These findings align with previous research highlighting the importance of stability and consistency in achieving optimal performance in various sports [21]. The observed correlations between STS, LTS, and experience support the notion that these variables may depend on technique improvement through training rather than being solely related to biological aspects. Our findings suggest that individuals with more experience in the sport tend to exhibit higher STS and LTS values, indicating a greater level of steadiness in their movements. This aligns with the hypothesis that prolonged training and practice contribute to the refinement of motor skills, resulting in improved steadiness [36]. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that the correlations observed between STS, LTS, and experience can be attributed to the cumulative effect of dedicated training time, emphasizing the importance of technical development in achieving higher levels of steadiness in movement performance. We considered this study to be important, as we know that stroke steadiness is directly related to performance in this sport in young athletes. Maturation factors, age, and the morphology of athletes also influence performance in this sport. The intrinsic value of this research is its examination of whether different, independently analysed factors that affect performance can be interdependent, so that they can be trained together or even changed when trying to improve performance in cyclic sports. The main limitations of this study are the lack of previous research on stroke steadiness as well as some methodological limitations that may lead to small measurement errors, such as video cameras recording at low frames per second. However, this research could be carried out without problems with the materials presented. As for future lines of research, there is still a wide field for further research on stroke steadiness depending on the level of the athletes, gender, or other external variables that may affect the dynamics of the boat.