# Case study: Evaluating deep-water start techniques and training demands in seated slalom waterskiing for an athlete with paraplegia

## TL;DR

This case study examines the physical and physiological demands of deep-water start techniques in seated slalom waterskiing for a paraplegic athlete.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into training demands and technique effectiveness for seated slalom waterskiing in athletes with paraplegia.

## Key findings

- Alternative DWS techniques showed higher success rates but required more time than traditional methods.
- Heart rate during DWS ranged between 63.2 to 81.3% of maximal HR, with most effort below the ventilatory threshold.
- Significant handgrip strength reduction post-session highlights the physical demands of the activity.

## Abstract

Recreational and competitive slalom waterskiing is increasingly popular among individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), particularly for those with paraplegia using sit-skis. A key component of slalom skiing is the deep-water start (DWS), yet little is known about the physiological and physical demands of this activity when the athlete is seated. This study aims to fill this gap by focusing on the training requirements for a seated slalom athlete.

Focusing on a young male athlete with paraplegia, this case study evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of traditional (TDWS) and alternative (ADWS) DWS techniques during seated slalom waterskiing sessions. It assesses internal training load (TL) through heart rate (HR) zones and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), alongside pre- and post-session handgrip strength measurements to gauge peripheral muscle fatigue.

Performing the ADWS, achieving a full success rate, proved more effective but slightly more time-consuming than TDWS, which had limited success. HR during DWS maneuvers ranged from 63.2 to 81.3% of maximal HR, with most sessions occurring below the ventilatory threshold, thus perceived as hard effort. A moderate yet non-significant correlation was found between HR and sRPE-based TL. A significant reduction in handgrip strength post-session underscores the activity’s demands. These insights illuminate the technical, physiological, and physical challenges in mastering DWS for seated slalom athletes with SCI, providing valuable guidance for the development of tailored training programs and techniques in this sport.