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10 Jun 2009 11:32:22
The University of Bedfordshire has given a hardy group of kayakers a thorough work-out in preparation for their gruelling month ahead.
Expedition paddlers from the Viking Kayaking Club in Bedford are about to attempt the final leg of the epic Big 5 Kayak Challenge.
This will be a test of endurance as they journey from Vancouver in Canada to the frozen wastes of Alaska.
An afternoon session at the University was supervised by Dr Paul Castle, senior lecturer in physiology and laboratory director, and included immersion testing in simulated glacier waters.
It also included use of Ultrasound techniques on heart function and performance as well as conventional fitness and performance testing.
The team leave for Vancouver on Friday (12 June) to begin the 1000 miles of expedition paddling from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island to Glacier Bay, Alaska. They are expected to average 35 miles daily for 30 days.
Four serious kayaking expeditions have already been completed including paddling round the Isle of Wight, the length of the River Thames, crossing the Channel and Land’s End to the Isles of Scilly.
The University agreed to monitor and study the team before, during and after their final expedition to determine fitness gain, the physiological impacts of endurance events and overall performance.
The study will provide scientific evidence to support academic work at the University and elements of the testing will also benefit the team and provide information for future expeditions.
Dr Castle said: “The team are all fit people and we can also track them during the expedition and test them when they return in July.
“We got good feedback from them, saying how good our facilities are. And it’s always good to get exposure for the University, no pun intended!”
Expedition leader Richard Harpham said: “The world-class facilities at the University give us a chance to look at our performances so far and keep track of them while we are in Canada.
“We will have the chance to see how we are getting on and also see how the strain of the challenge affects us both physically and mentally.”
The tests provided an initial snapshot on health and performance of the team members and included:
* VO2 Max output of the team members.
* Body/mass index using the University Bod/POD technology.
* Ultrasound scans of the team members’ heart operation including wall thickness.
* General health and fitness measures.
* Immersion testing and temperature drop using an ice bath.
Testing on the expedition will include heart rate monitoring, hydration levels, mood analysis, accelerometers to measure calorie burn, body temperatures and several other measures.
For more details on the Big 5 Kayak Challenge, visit www.big5kayakchallenge.com
Latest news» 2009» June» University helps kayakers prepare for final challenge
