Paracanoe: particularities of functional classes in the structuring of the sports’ training

The performance of paracanoists is characterized by the ability of the athlete to advance at maximum speed, through a technically optimal paddling motion. It`s important to consider that in the case of para-athletes, the application of forces towards paddling is compromised by physical deficiencies. Thus, this study aims to assess the performance of athletes in the KL1, KL2 and KL3 sport classes, during a paralympic paracanoe event. The sample was composed of athletes from the Brazilian male paracanoe team, with a representative of each sport class: KL1, KL2, KL3 For performance analysis, we used a kayak ergometer (KayakPro®, Miami Beach, FL, USA) to simulate a 200-meter trial, during Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Road. The variables were evaluated: time trial, stroke frequency, mean speed, number of strokes, stroke length, stroke index, and power. According to results: I) the athlete KL3 had the lowest number of strokes, the longest stroke length and the highest stroke rate index; II) the athlete KL1 had the highest number of strokes, the lowest stroke length and the stroke rate index. This study puts into perspective the distinct characteristics of a paracanoe trial, analyzed in consideration to each sport class.