Computer Software for Canoeing Simulation

Abstract

Basing upon the biomechanical principles of paddling (V. Issurin, 1986) product on IBM PC AT was developed for evaluation of paddling efficiency in different technical variants of canoeing and kayaking. It was developed in the canoeing department of the Research Institute of Physical Culture in Saint-Petersburg under the leadership of Prof Issurin. The p rogram permits operative solving of problems of investigators and coaches and helps to find parameters for optimal technical performance. It estimates the influence of different factors upon the system conoe—canoeist during movement along the water. These factors are:

• characteristics of the boat (its resistance, mass (together with the canoeist) ana steering parameters),

• strength and direction of wind,

• different elements of paddling technique (rate, duration of underwater and air transfer phases of the stroke, configuration of force function) and their variations in the process of paddling.