Exercise Intensity in Youth Rock Climbers 8-16 Years of Age

Abstract

BACKGROUNDL: Rock climbing has increased in popularity over the last 15 years, with indoor rock wall gyms opening up all over the U.S. Rock climbing requires both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, with the metabolic cost comparable to moderate to vigourous physical activity (MVPA) in adults (Sheel, 2004). Minimal data on the characteristics of youth climbers exist, yet climbing may be a viable option for decreasing prevalence of overweight and obesity by keeping youth active using a pastime they enjoy. PURPOSE: 1) to determine whether rock climbing/bouldering in relatively novice youth climbers has the fitness potential of other traditional cardiorespiratory physical activities, and 2) to assess whether rock climbing/bouldering meets US DHHS (2008) recommendations for muscle and bone strengthening exercises. METHODS: Fifteen participants (twelve males and 3 females; mean age = 11.5 ± 2.3 years) from a newly established youth climbing team were assessed twice weekly during their normal 2 hour training sessions at a local rock gym. Baseline measures for body composition, grip strength, and somatotype were collected. Heart rate (HR) monitors (Polar, Inc.) were placed on participants at the beginning of each climbing session and HR was downloaded after every activity bout. Average activity heart rate (AHR), peak heart rate (HRpeak), and total energy expended (kcals) were recorded from the HR monitors. RESULTS: Means and standard deviations at baseline for percent body fat (Brozek et al.,1963) and BMI were 18.7 ± 5.7 %, and 18.4 ± 3.4 kg/m2, respectively. Left grip strength was 20.1 ± 6.6 kg, and right was 20.0 ± 5.8 kg. Endomorphy was 3.9 ± 1.7, mesomorphy was 3.3 ± 1.0, and ectomorphy was 3.0± 1.4. Overall, the sample had a healthy body composition, a stronger than average grip strength, and an average physique. AHR for the sample was 132 ± 10.1 bpm, mean HRpeak was 190 ± 10.5 bpm, and mean kcals expended per session were 579 ± 185.1. CONCLUSION/DISCUSSION: AHR was between 117-149 bpm, and the exercise intensity reached moderate levels. For the youth in this study, this activity meets US DHHS recommendations for cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle and bone strengthening exercises. Participating in rock climbing on a regular basis can provide moderate intensity physical activity for youth climbers. Supported by NIH grant #HD052368