Psychophysiological responses to treadwall and indoor wall climbing in adult female climbers

Jiří Baláš,Jan Gajdošík,Dominika Krupková,Alžběta Hlaváčková,Radka Bačáková,Leona Chrastinová,David Giles

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-82184-6

Jiří Baláš, Jan Gajdošík + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82184-6

Copy DOI

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to compare the psychophysiological response of climbers of a range of abilities (lower grade to advanced) when ascending identical climbing routes on a climbing wall and a rotating treadwall. Twenty-two female climbers (31.2 ± 9.4 years; 60.5 ± 6.5 kg; 168.6 ± 5.7 cm) completed two identical 18 m climbing trials (graded 4 on the French Sport scale) separated by 1 week, one on the treadwall (climbing low to the ground) and the other on the indoor wall (climbing in height). Indirect calorimetry, venous blood samples and video-analysis were used to assess energy cost, hormonal response and time-load characteristics. Energy costs were higher during indoor wall climbing comparing to those on the treadwall by 16% (P < 0.001, upmu _{{text{p}}}^{2} = 0.48). No interaction of climbing ability and climbing condition were found. However, there was an interaction for climbing ability and post-climbing catecholamine concentration (P < 0.01, upmu _{{text{p}}}^{2} = 0.28). Advanced climbers’ catecholamine response increased by 238% and 166% with respect to pre-climb values on the treadwall and indoor wall, respectively; while lower grade climbers pre-climb concentrations were elevated by 281% and 376% on the treadwall and indoor wall, respectively. The video analysis showed no differences in any time-motion variables between treadwall and indoor wall climbing. The study demonstrated a greater metabolic response for indoor wall climbing, however, the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

Highlights

The purpose of the study was to compare the psychophysiological response of climbers of a range of abilities when ascending identical climbing routes on a climbing wall and a rotating treadwall
Pairwise comparisons (Fig. 2) showed statistically significant differences between treadwall and indoor wall climbing for more metabolic variables in the advance rather than the lower grade climbers
Advanced climber’s catecholamine response increased by 238% and 166% with respect to pre-climb concentrations on the treadwall and indoor wall, respectively; while lower grade climbers elevated the pre-climb concentration to 281% and 376% on the treadwall and indoor wall, respectively

Summary

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to compare the psychophysiological response of climbers of a range of abilities (lower grade to advanced) when ascending identical climbing routes on a climbing wall and a rotating treadwall. While differences in the psychophysiological response of varying ability groups of climbers when manipulating the means of protecting a climber in the event of a fall (style of ascent) have been described in the literature[3,8], these studies have made a number of assumptions about the nature of the climbing task involved. They do not take into consideration other psychological factors that may influence performance, such as the ability to execute physical/technical climbing movements while high above the ground on a route. This is relevant when prescribing exercise intensity in fitness-focused programs, as apparently high intensity climbing (high physiological response resulting from psychological stress) may induce trivial muscle or cardiovascular adaptations

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion