The effect of three different warm-up intensities on kayak ergometer performance

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of warm-up (WU) intensity on supramaximal kayak ergometer performance. Methods: In the initial testing session, eight institute of sport kayak squad members performed a graded exercise test for determination of VO2max and lactate (La) parameters. In a random, counterbalanced order, subjects subsequently performed WU for 15-min at either their aerobic threshold (W1), their anaerobic threshold (W3), or mid-way between their aerobic threshold and anaerobic threshold (W2). A 5-min passive rest period and then a 2-min, all-out kayak ergometer test followed the WU. Results: For the three different WU conditions, no significant differences were observed for average power, peak VO2, total VO2, total VCO2, or accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) during the 2-min test. However, when compared with W3, differences in average power approached significance after both W1 (P = 0.09) and W2 (P = 0. 10). Furthermore, when compared with W3, average power during the first half of the 2-min test was significantly greater after W2 (P < 0.05) and approached significance after W1 (P = 0.06). After each WU period, there was a significant difference in blood pH (W1>W2>W3; P < 0.05) and blood [La] (W1<W2<W3; P < 0.05). Despite the significantly different metabolic acidemia after each WU condition, there were no significant differences in the VO2 responses to the 2-min test. However, the greater metabolic acidemia after W3 was associated with impaired 2-min kayak ergometer performance. Conclusions: It was concluded, that although a degree of metabolic acidemia may be necessary to speed O-2 kinetics, if the WU is too intense, the associated metabolic acidemia may impair supramaximal performance by reducing the anaerobic energy contribution and/or interfering with muscle contractile processes.