Recreational Youth Rock Climbers in the United States and the United Kingdom

Abstract

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 youth climbers exist, yet climbing is extremely popular with youth and may be a viable option for decreasing prevalence of overweight as an active pastime they enjoy. PURPOSE: 1) To determine whether rock climbing in novice youth climbers can provide them with moderate to vigourous physical activity, and 2) To compare recreational youth climbers in the US and the UK by physique and fitness. METHODS: Data were collected from 15 participants (11 males, 4 females; mean age = 11.5 ± 2.3 years) from the US (USyrc) and 15 from the UK (UKyrc: 12 males, 3 females; mean age = 11.7 ± 2.3) between 2009 and 2010. Body composition, including somatotype, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance were assessed. Heart rate (HR) monitors (Polar, Inc.) were used to collect average heart rate (AHR) and peak heart rate in beats per minute (bpm) during single bouts of climbing. Energy expended (kcals) during climbing was also assessed with the HR monitors. Climbing bouts ranged from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Differences between groups were tested with ANOVAs. RESULTS: The groups were physically very similar; no significant differences were apparent in height, weight, BMI, somatotype, or overall percent body fat. However, USyrc performed better than UKyrc on the left grip strength 21.2 ± 9.0 kg vs 15.5 ± 3.7 kg (p< 0.05), right sit and reach, 27.5 ± 5.8 cm vs 17.7 ± 9.0cm, and left sit and reach, 28.0 ± 5.4 cm vs 17.7 ± 9.0 cm (p < 0.001). During climbing, USyrc had higher AHR, 133 ± 12.4 bpm vs 125 ± 7.1 bpm, and burned more kcals per minute, 5.5 ± 1.9 vs 4.0 ± 1.1 (p<0.05), than UKyrc. For both groups, AHR ranged between 112-149 bpm. CONCLUSION: Recreational US and UK youth rock climbers did not differ in most physical parameters in these samples. Heart rate data showed that USyrc and UKyrc met US DHHS recommendations for cardiorespiratory fitness. Thus, participating in rock climbing on a regular basis can provide moderate intensity physical activity for youth climbers. Supported by NIH grant #HD052368 and the CSUSB Professors Across Borders Program