Using a multidisciplinary approach some Physiological characteristics of a group of elite slalom canoeists were examined in an attempt to quantify the demands of slalom competition. Simulated conditions were incorporated for data collection whenever it was imPracticable to collect data from Paddlers in a slalom event. A description of materials, methods and the validation of simulated Procedures Precedes the discussion of a survey of training routines adopted by a group of slalom canoeists. Data Pertaining to the Paddle stroke characteristics of elite Paddlers revealed that al I subJects Performed a similar type and number of strokes on an international course. The aerobic demands of Paddling the same route and manifested bY the extent to which the cardioresPiratorY sYstem was mobi I ized, was found to be submaximal. Anaerobic stress, measured during a World class competitive event as serum lactate content in a group of 19 subJects, was extremely high.
It is suggested that anaerobic trainins should feature prominently as an integral component of slalom preparation. An experiment was desisned and conducted to investisate the effects of a specific anaerobic training programme over nine weeks, on the muscIe develpment of a group of nine subJects. A comparison of biopsy samples from the latissimus dorsi muscle prior to and immediately following the programme revealed that there was no significant change in the size of type I fibres (aerobic) that there was no apparent modification in the distribution of fibre types, but there was a significant increase (82%) in the cross sectional area of the type II fibres (anaerobic).