The aim of the study was to assess the physiological response of exercise diagnostics by kayak paddling and compare its results with the results obtained by standardized crank ergometry of upper limbs. The research group consisted of 6 Czech elite kayakers in white-water slalom (weight 73.48+-2.48 kg, height 179.41+-4.45 cm and age 22.5+-4.34).
Pearson correlation analysis and paired t-test was used for the analysis of relationships between parameters due to nature of data and compliance testing normality. We evaluated the statistical significance at the α = 0.05.
Percentage changes were used to assess the factual evaluation of the difference. When comparing the results of both methods we can state that there was no statistically significant changes in the parameters of maximum oxygen uptake (p = 0.93), maximum heart rate (p = 0.16), respiratory rate (p = 0.44) and maximum tidal volume (p = 0.98).
We notice statistically significant differences in parameters of maximum ventilation (p = 0.00) and respiratory rate (p = 0.01). Crank ergometry can well replace specific kayak paddling test, but differences in respiration and ventilation should be taken in regard.