Elite Climbers Research Articles

Inter-Limb Coordination Variability in Ice Climbers of Different Skill Level

Research background and hypothesis. Ice climbers determine their own ascent paths by creating holes with their crampons and ice tools. The coupling of upper and lower limbs thus emerges from the icefall environment without prescriptions for one mode of coordination. Research aim. The aim of this study was to analyse the upper / lower limb coordination of ice climbers of different skill level and to explore how the environmental constraint (ice fall shape) is used by the climbers to adapt their motor behaviour.Research methods. Six elite ice climbers and fi ve beginners climbed a 30m icefall, respectively in grade 5 / 5+ and grade 4. Frontal camera videotaped the fi rst 15m of the ascent, then the left and right ice tools and the left and right crampons were digitalised in order to analyse the upper limbs coupling, the lower limbs coupling and the upper / lower limb coordination. Research results. The results indicated that in-phase mode of upper / lower limb coordination was the main attractor for both groups. However, elite climbers showed greater variability in their behaviour, exploring larger range of upper and lower angles (particularly vertical and crossed positions) and types of movement (ice tool swinging and ice hole hooking). Discussion and conclusions. It was concluded that holes in ice fall, and more globally ice fall shape, were affordances that induced variable upper / lower limb coordination in elite climbers, whereas beginners used a basic and stable motor organization in order to maintain body equilibrium.Keywords: upper / lower limb coordination, environmental constrains, types of movement.

Effects of ten weeks dynamic or isometric core training on climbing performance among highly trained climbers.

This is the first study to compare the effects of isometric vs. dynamic core training and characterize core-training adaptations using climbing-specific performance and core strength tests in elite climbers. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of attending a progressive core-training program on climbing performance. 19 advanced and elite climbers (7.3±5.6 years climbing experience, red point skill grade 19 IRCRA) were randomized into a dynamic (DCT) or isometric (ICT) core training group and trained twice weekly for ten weeks. The climbers were tested using two climbing-specific core tests (body lock-off and body-lift) and four non-specific core strength tests—one dynamic (superman) and three isometric (trunk flexion and trunk rotation left and right). Between group comparisons showed no differences between the groups at post-test (p = 0.328–0.824) and neither group demonstrated greater improvement compared with the other (p = 0.300–0.926). The ICT group demonstrated 10.8% and 29.6% improvement in trunk flexion and body-lift (p = 0.029–0.037 with no improvement in body lock-off and rotation (p = 0.101–0.343). The DCT group demonstrated 5.0–14.9% improvement in the core strength tests (p = 0.012–0.043), a non-significant 33.8% improvement in body-lift (p = 0.100) and no improvement in body lock-off (p = 0.943). In conclusion, none of the training groups demonstrated greater improvement than the other and both dynamic and isometric core training improved climbing-specific test performance. Dynamic training was slightly more favorable although not significantly superior to isometric core training in improving core strength.

Rock Climbing, Risk, and Recognition.

As extreme sports gain popularity – so does the public appreciation of such sports. Mass media are full of panegyric appraisals of these self-driven, individualistic athletes that dare to “live life to the fullest.” Voluntarily seeking risks, in general, and in extreme sports specifically, is often understood in terms of individual traits or the unique, strong emotions such experiences give. In this article, we move beyond individualistic explanations of risk-taking that understand risk-taking as personal traits. Instead, we focus on processes of recognition based on group values. More specifically, based on autoethnography and interviews with elite climbers in Norway, we explore to what extent risk-taking is built into the value system of climbing, and to what degree risk-taking leads to peer-recognition and credibility within rock climbing communities. We find that there is a clear connection between risk-taking and recognition in the value system of climbing. As newcomers become part of the climbing culture they learn what has value and make these values part of their own intrinsic motivation. Hence, climbers develop what we call a risk-libido. However, the results show that there are no clear-cut demarcations between actions that lead to recognition, actions that go unnoticed and actions that lack credibility because they are seen as foolhardy. The fact that these boundaries are not clear, does not mean that boundaries do not exist. Based on our findings, we develop and propose a model of “Credibility-Zones” that establish the general principles of honor- and status distribution within rock-climbing in regard to risk-taking. Of particular interest is our finding that among the most respected, “consecrated,” climbers, the “Credibility-Zone” is wider and less defined than for average climbers.

Acute Responses to Forearm Compression of Blood Lactate Accumulation, Heart Rate, Perceived Exertion, and Muscle Pain in Elite Climbers.

Objectives: To evaluate the immediate responses to forearm compression of blood lactate concentration, heart rate, perceived exertion and local forearm muscle pain during severe climbing in elite climbers.Method: Seven elite climbers (18 ± 2 years; 164 ± 5 cm; 57.8 ± 5.3 kg) performed 3 × 3 climbing bouts with maximal intensity on a distinct 8 m boulder wall (lead grade: 7a–8b) in a single blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over design, wearing either forearm sleeves with compression (verum-compression) or placebo forearm sleeves with no compression (falsum-compression). Each climber’s heart rate was recorded during and capillary blood lactate concentration, perceived exertion and forearm muscle pain were assessed directly after climbing.Result: Heart rate (p = 0.45, = 0.12), blood lactate concentrations (p = 0.44, = 0.10), perceived exertion levels (p = 0.51, = 0.08) and pain perception (p = 0.67, = 0.03) were not affected by forearm compression. No condition × time interaction effect (compression × time) occurred for heart rate (p = 0.66, = 0.04), blood lactate concentration (p = 0.70, = 0.02), perceived exertion (p = 0.20, = 0.26) and pain perception (p = 0.62, = 0.04).Conclusion: In elite climbers performing severe climbing bouts, sleeves with forearm compression do not alter blood lactate concentration, heart rate, perceived exertion and local forearm muscle pain.

Hanging ability in climbing: an approach by finger hangs on adjusted depth edges in advanced and elite sport climbers

ABSTRACTHanging ability on small depth edges is one of the most limiting factors in climbing. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of a hanging ability indicator measured on an adjusted depth edge. Forty voluntary sport climbers (34 men) were divided into an advanced group (AG; n = 22) and an elite group (EG; n = 18). Climbers performed three sustained finger tests following a test–retest design: (a) maximum hanging time on a 14-mm edge depth (MHT_14), (b) minimum edge depth in which climbers could hang for 40 s exactly (MED_40) and (c) maximum added weight test on the MED_40 edge depth (MAW_5). EG performed better than AG in all tests. The regression analyses showed that the MHT_14 test and MAW_5 test explained a 35% and 69% of the climbing sport level in AG and EG, respectively. All the tests were reliable (ICC3,1 values ranging from 0.89 to 1.00). The MAW_5 and MHT_14 tests demonstrated to be valid and reliable hanging ability indicators for EG and AG, respectively. The measurement of hanging ability on adjusted depth edges might be a key factor in elite climbers, but not necessary in lower level climbers.

Biomechanical Profile of the Muscles of the Upper Limbs in Sport Climbers

Abstract Introduction. Studies have demonstrated an important role of muscle strength and endurance in climbing. However, little research has explored the speed parameters of the muscles of climbers. This study aimed to evaluate biomechanical indices of the functional status of the upper limbs in climbers. Material and methods. Group G1 (n = 3) were athletes who were able to climb 8c+/9a climbing routes using the red-point style and 7c+/8b routes with the on-sight style. Group G2 (n = 5) comprised climbers who were able to climb 8a/8b+ and 7b+/8a routes, respectively. Maximum muscle torques were measured in the elbow and arm flexors and extensors. Hand grip tests, dynamometric arm strength tests, and laboratory endurance tests were conducted. Results. Strength parameters in both joints were similar in the two groups of climbers. Maximum absolute values of hand grip, crimp grip, and global arm force in hanging did not differ between the groups. Furthermore, significant differences were found for relative indices (from circa 3% to circa 12%). No significant differences were recorded for the parameters of muscle speed. Furthermore, no significant effect of the subjects’ skill level on the results of endurance tests was found. The results obtained in the groups of athletes (G1, G2, and G1+2) were compared with the values recorded in a control group of students (GC, n = 48). Conclusions. Elite climbers were found to have an advantage over the controls only in strength and muscular endurance. No significant differences were observed in the results of speed tests in the muscles of the athletes and students examined in the study. The climbers (G1 and G2) differed in the strength potential of their muscles, but only when relative force indices were analysed. No differences were found in the biomechanical variables of speed and muscular endurance. Conventional tests are typically not a valuable diagnostic tool for the evaluation of climbers.

홀더트레이닝이 엘리트 스포츠클라이머들의 혈중젖산농도와 체력에 미치는 효과

홀더트레이닝이 엘리트 스포츠클라이머들의 혈중젖산농도와 체력에 미치는 효과

The role of physique, strength and endurance in the achievements of elite climbers.

PurposeThe primary aim of this study is to determine the principal somatic and motor determinants for elite climbers.MethodsTwenty climbers were examined [age: 28.5±6.1 years].The runners were divided into two groups based on their climbing level, according to the International Rock Climbing Research Association (IRCRA). Elite climbers represented a 8b-8c Rotpunkt (RP) climbing level (n = 6), and advanced climbers represented an 7c+-8a RP level (n = 14). The following measurements were assessed: height, weight, lean body mass, upper limb length, arm span, and forearm, arm, thigh and calf circumference. The BMI, Rohrer ratio, and Ape Index were also measured. The following motor tests were assessed: a specific test for finger strength, an arm strength test, and a test of muscle endurance (hanging from 2.5 and 4 cm ledges). In addition, pull ups were used to measure muscle resistance to fatigue.ResultsElite climbers recorded significantly higher values for finger strength than advanced climbers (129.08 vs. 111.54 kg; t(18) = 2.35, p = 0.03) and arm endurance (33.17 vs. 25.75 pull ups; t(18) = 2.54, p = 0.02). In addition, the calf circumference was significantly lower in elite climbers than that in advanced climbers (34.75 vs. 36.93 cm; t(18) = 3.50, p = 0.003).ConclusionThe results suggest that elite climbers have greater finger strength and arm endurance than advanced climbers.

A comparison of anthropometric characteristics and somatotypes in a group of elite climbers, recreational climbers and non-climbers

Abstract Sport climbing has become a very popular and competitive sport. Despite growing interest in the research of climbing, there is still scant evidence regarding the adaptations it produces in the anthropometric characteristics of climbers. The objective of this study was to provide descriptive data about the anthropometric and somatotype characteristics of a group of elite and recreational climbers and compare them with a group of healthy non-climber volunteers. Twelve elite climbers (9 males and 3 females), 10 recreational climbers (7 males and 3 females), and 10 healthy non-climbers (6 males and 4 females) were assessed. Body mass, height, body mass index (BMI) and anthropometric measurements were used to obtain body fat percentage (BF%) and somatotype according to the Heath-Carter protocol. We found that females and males elite climbers (EC) have a significantly lower BF% and endomorphic component ( p p p

Physiological responses during two climbing tests with different hold types

The purpose of this study was to investigate physiological responses to climbing with different hold types. Eight elite climbers (red-point achievements 8a – 9a, French grades) performed two climbing tests to failure which were steady in pace and uniform in wall inclination, distances between holds and hold deepness. Only the hold contact surface inclination was different. Duration of test 1 (111 ± 54 s) was significantly ( P = 0.005) less than test 2 (255 ± 127 s), but peak and average oxygen uptake (V̇O2), heart rate (HR) and post-climbing lactate concentrations were not different ( P > 0.05). Nevertheless, hold type had a greater impact on peak compared to average V̇O2 and HR. Peak V̇O2 and HR in test 1 and 2 were 34.1 ± 4.8 versus 37 ± 2.1 ml/min/kg and 166 ± 16 versus 171 ± 13 bpm, respectively. Average V̇O2 and HR were 28.2 ± 2.7 versus 29.2 ± 2.1 ml/min/kg and 154 ± 15 versus 156 ± 14 bpm. Duration of test 1 and percent lactate clearance were significantly correlated with red-point achievement ( r = 0.94, P = 0.001 and r = 0.75, P = 0.033, respectively). Peak V̇O2 was significantly correlated with duration of test 1 ( r = 0.80, P = 0.017) and average V̇O2 was significantly correlated with duration of test 2 ( r = 0.85, P = 0.008). Different climbing hold types had no influence on either average or maximal V̇O2 and HR or on post-climbing lactate. Therefore, these variables could be used for performance evaluation but not as intensity indicators during training for sport climbing.

Analysis of Tests Evaluating Sport Climbers' Strength and Isometric Endurance.

The present study was designed to determine which types of specific tests provide an effective evaluation of strength and endurance in highly trained competitive sport climbers. The research process consisted of three basic components: the measurement of selected somatic characteristics of the climbers, the assessment of their physical conditioning, and a search for correlations between the anthropometric and “conditioning” variables on the one hand, and climber’s performance on the other. The sample of subjects consisted of 14 experienced volunteer climbers capable of handling 7a- 8a+/b on-sight rock climbing grades. The strongest correlations (Spearman’s rank) were found between climber’s competence and the relative results of the finger strength test (r = 0.7); much lower, but still statistically significant coefficients were found between the level of competence and the results of the muscle endurance tests (r = 0.53 – 0.57). Climbers aspiring to attain an elite level must have strong finger and forearm muscles, but most of all, they must be capable of releasing their potential during specific motor capability tests engaging these parts of the body. The forearm muscles of elite climbers must also be very resistant to fatigue. Since highly trained athletes vary only slightly in body mass, this variable does not have a major effect on their performance during strength and endurance tests.

Forearm muscle oxidative capacity index predicts sport rock-climbing performance.

Rock-climbing performance is largely dependent on the endurance of the forearm flexors. Recently, it was reported that forearm flexor endurance in elite climbers is independent of the ability to regulate conduit artery (brachial) blood flow, suggesting that endurance is not primarily dependent on the ability of the brachial artery to deliver oxygen, but rather the ability of the muscle to perfuse and use oxygen, i.e., skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. The aim of the study was to determine whether an index of oxidative capacity in the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) predicts the best sport climbing red-point grade within the last 6months. Participants consisted of 46 sport climbers with a range of abilities. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, the oxidative capacity index of the FDP was assessed by calculating the half-time for tissue oxygen resaturation (O2HTR) following 3-5min of ischemia. Linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and training experience, revealed a 1-s decrease in O2HTR was associated with an increase in red-point grade by 0.65 (95% CI 0.35-0.94, Adj R (2) =0.53). Considering a grade of 0.4 separated the top four competitors in the 2015 International Federation Sport Climbing World Cup, this finding suggests that forearm flexor oxidative capacity index is an important determinant of rock-climbing performance.

Coordination in Climbing: Effect of Skill, Practice and Constraints Manipulation.

Climbing is a physical activity and sport involving many subdisciplines. Minimization of prolonged pauses, use of a relatively simple path through a route and smooth transitions between movements broadly define skilled coordination in climbing. To provide an overview of the constraints on skilled coordination in climbing and to explore future directions in this emerging field. A systematic literature review was conducted in 2014 and retrieved studies reporting perceptual and movement data during climbing tasks. To be eligible for the qualitative synthesis, studies were required to report perceptual or movement data during climbing tasks graded for difficulty. Qualitative synthesis of 42 studies was carried out, showing that skilled coordination in climbing is underpinned by superior perception of climbing opportunities; optimization of spatial-temporal features pertaining to body-to-wall coordination, the climb trajectory and hand-to-hold surface contact; and minimization of exploratory behaviour. Improvements in skilled coordination due to practice are related to task novelty and the difficulty of the climbing route relative to the individual's ability level. Perceptual and motor adaptations that improve skilled coordination are highly significant for improving the climbing ability level. Elite climbers exhibit advantages in detection and use of climbing opportunities when visually inspecting a route from the ground and when physically moving though a route. However, the need to provide clear guidelines on how to improve climbing skill arises from uncertainties regarding the impacts of different practice interventions on learning and transfer.

Determinant factors in climbing ability: Influence of strength, anthropometry, and neuromuscular fatigue.

The goal of this study was to (i) assess the physical and anthropometric differences between three levels of climbers and (ii) predict climbing ability by using a multiple regression model. The participants were divided into novice (n = 15), skilled (n = 16), and elite (n = 10) climbers. Anthropometric characteristics such as height, weight, percentage of body fat and muscle, bi-acromial breath, arm span, and ape index were measured. General and specific strength were assessed through an arm jump test, a bench press test, and a hand and finger grip strength test in maximal and endurance conditions. All variables were combined into components via a principal component analysis (PCA) and the components used in a multiple regression analysis. The major finding of this study is that climbing ability is more related to specific rather than general strength. Only finger grip strength shows a higher level of initial strength between all samples while the arm jump test discriminates between climbers and non-climbers. The PCA reveals three components, labeled as training, muscle, and anthropometry, which together explain 64.22% of the variance. The regression model indicates that trainable variables explained 46% of the total variance in climbing ability, whereas anthropometry and muscle characteristics explain fewer than 4%.

Physiological characteristics of elite high-altitude climbers.

Factors underlying the amplitude of exercise performance reduction at altitude and the development of high-altitude illnesses are not completely understood. To better describe these mechanisms, we assessed cardiorespiratory and tissue oxygenation responses to hypoxia in elite high-altitude climbers. Eleven high-altitude climbers were matched with 11 non-climber trained controls according to gender, age, and fitness level (maximal oxygen consumption, VO2 max ). Subjects performed two maximal incremental cycling tests, in normoxia and in hypoxia (inspiratory oxygen fraction: 0.12). Cardiorespiratory measurements and tissue (cerebral and muscle) oxygenation were assessed continuously. Hypoxic ventilatory and cardiac responses were determined at rest and during exercise; hypercapnic ventilatory response was determined at rest. In hypoxia, climbers exhibited similar reductions to controls in VO2 max (climbers -39 ± 7% vs controls -39 ± 9%), maximal power output (-27 ± 5% vs -26 ± 4%), and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2 ). However, climbers had lower hypoxic ventilatory response during exercise (1.7 ± 0.5 vs 2.6 ± 0.7 L/min/%; P < 0.05) and lower hypercapnic ventilatory response (1.8 ± 1.4 vs 3.8 ± 2.5 mL/min/mmHg; P < 0.05). Finally, climbers exhibited slower breathing frequency, larger tidal volume and larger muscle oxygenation index. These results suggest that elite climbers show some specific ventilatory and muscular responses to hypoxia possibly because of genetic factors or adaptation to frequent high-altitude climbing.

The blood lactate concentration responses in a real indoor sport climbing competition

Summary Introduction This study analyzed the blood lactate concentration responses of elite climbers in a real competitive situation. Summary of facts Data were collected at Sao Paulo Sport Climbing Championship, Brazil. The eight finalists climbers (29.1 ± 3 years, climbing experience: 11.1 ± 3.5 years, climbing level: 8A–8B on the French scale) had their blood lactate concentration analyzed pre-competition and at the first, third, fifth and seventh minutes of recovery post-semifinal and post-final routes. The blood lactate concentration increased by 133% from pre-competition to post-semifinal route (effect size = 4.3, confidence interval = 4–4.7) and 191% from pre-competition to post-final route (effect size = 6.2, confidence interval = 5.9–6.6). We also observed a 25% increase in blood lactate concentration from post-semifinal to post-final routes (effect size = 1.4, confidence interval = 0.86–1.9). Conclusion The blood lactate concentrations increases observed in the current study were substantially higher than reported in literature, which suggests that climbers increase their reliance on the anaerobic lactic energy system as the climbing routes increase in difficulty and this is exacerbated in a competitive situation.

Oxygen recovery kinetics in the forearm flexors of multiple ability groups of rock climbers.

The purpose of this study was to determine muscle tissue oxidative capacity and recovery in intermediate, advanced, and elite rock climbers. Forty-four male participants performed (a) sustained and (b) intermittent contractions at 40% of maximal volitional contraction (MVC) on a sport-specific fingerboard until volitional fatigue. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to assess muscle tissue oxygenation during both the exercise and the 5-minutes passive recovery period, in the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR). During the sustained contraction only, muscle tissue deoxygenation (O2 debt) in the FDP and FCR was significantly greater in elite climbers compared with the control, intermediate, and advanced groups (FDP: 32 vs. 15, 19, 22%; FCR: 19 vs. 11, 8, 15%, respectively). However, elite climbers had a significantly quicker time to half recovery (T1/2) than the control and intermediate groups in the FDP (8 vs. 95 and 47 seconds, respectively) and the FCR (7 vs. 30 and 97 seconds, respectively) because the O2% recovered per second being significantly greater (FDP: 4.2 vs. 0.7 and 0.3; FCR: 4.8 vs. 0.1 and 0.2, respectively). Furthermore, during the intermittent contraction, T1/2 in elite climbers was significantly quicker compared with the control and intermediate groups in the FDP (8 vs. 93 and 83 seconds, respectively) and FCR (16 vs. 76 and 50 seconds, respectively). Consequently, lower-level climbers should focus training on specific intermittent fatigue protocols. Competition or elite climbers should make use of appropriate rests on route to aid recovery and increase the chances of reaching the next hold.

Reliability of Force Application to Instrumented Climbing Holds in Elite Climbers.

Multiaxial force sensors were applied to measure interaction forces during dynamic movements, such as climbing. When interaction forces are interpreted, minimal detectable changes, typical errors, and coefficients of variation of related performance metrics should be quantified. Thus, the presented study evaluated absolute and relative between-trial reliability with and without previous familiarization trials. Eleven Swiss elite climbers (5 females, 6 males) were tested during 2 repetitive climbing sequences (including 4 instrumented holds: 2 crimps, 1 undercling, 1 sloper). To ensure comparable relative intensity, females climbed at 20°, 25°, 30°, 25°, and 20° wall inclination, while males climbed at 25°, 30°, 35°, 30°, and 25°. Contact time, maximal resultant force, mean resultant force, impulse, and the number of load changes were analyzed at the lowest inclination. Acceptable to good between-trial reliability was found for nearly all holds and performance metrics. Performance analyses after 5 minutes of familiarization on the unknown boulder, which equals up to 3 trials, yielded to higher variability compared with performance analyses after several familiarization trials. Accordingly, the majority of absolute and relative reliability data improved after familiarization trails. Thus, to be detectable, interventional changes have to exceed higher biological variability during on-sight conditions than during red-point conditions.

Comparison Of Vigourous Physical Activity In Elite And Recreational Youth Rock Climbers

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that rock climbing (RC) may provide youth with adequate moderate levels of physical activity (PA). However, time spent in vigourous PA has not been addressed in this population. PURPOSES: 1) To determine how much vigorous physical activity RC provides for youth 8-18 years, and 2) To compare recreational and elite youth climbers in estimated energy expenditure, average heart rate (AHR), peak heart rate (PHR), and estimated calories (kcals) burned overall and per minute. METHODS: Data were collected from recreational climbers (7 males, 8 females; mean age = 10.8 ± 3.0 years), and elite climbers (4 males, 10 females; mean age = 13.5 ± 1.8 years) from the UK. To determine time spent in vigourous PA, minutes (mins) spent with target heart rate (THR) > 159 beats per minute (bpm) (Armstrong et al., 1991) were assessed. Average and peak heart rate in bpm, and energy expended (kcals) during single bouts of climbing were estimated via Polar HR monitors. As males and females did not differ in time at a given exercise intensity (p > 0.05), their results were combined in each group. Differences between groups (recreational vs elite) were tested with ANCOVA, controlling for the age difference in the two groups. RESULTS: Recreational and elite youth climbers did not significantly differ in time at the vigourous level of PA, although the elite climbers averaged 36.3 ± 14 mins in vigourous activity, and the recreational climbers averaged 23.0 ± 14 mins. AHR ranged between 120-156 bpm for the elite climbers, and 120-140 bpm for the recreational climbers; this difference was not significant. Estimated total kcals also did not significantly differ, although elite climbers burned more kcals than recreational climbers (419 vs 257). CONCLUSIONS: Time in vigourous PA was higher than previously assessed in youth climbers. Minimal differences existed between elite and recreational climbers in most components assessed. Small sample size could contribute to the lack of difference, as could the older average age of the elite climbers. In addition, the results could be due to the fact that the recreational climbers were fairly advanced (i.e., closer to the elites) in skill level.

Motor unit activation strategy during a sustained isometric contraction of finger flexor muscles in elite climbers

The aim of the study was to evaluate, by an electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) combined approach, whether years of specific climbing activity induced neuromuscular changes towards performances related to a functional prevalence of fast resistant or fast fatigable motor units. For this purpose, after the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) assessment, 11 elite climbers and 10 controls performed an exhaustive handgrip isometric effort at 80% MVC. Force, EMG and MMG signals were recorded from the finger flexor muscles during contraction. Time and frequency domain analysis of EMG and MMG signals was performed. In climbers: (i) MVC was higher (762 ± 34 vs 512 ± 57 N; effect size: 1.64; confidence interval: 0.65–2.63; P < 0.05); (ii) endurance time at 80% MVC was 43% longer (34.2 ± 3.7 vs 22.3 ± 1.5 s; effect size: 1.21; confidence interval: 0.28–2.14; P < 0.05); (iii) force accuracy and stability were greater during contraction (P < 0.05); (iv) EMG and MMG parameters were higher throughout the entire isometric effort (P < 0.05). Collectively, force, EMG and MMG combined analysis revealed that several years of specific climbing activity addressed the motor control system to adopt muscle activation strategies based on the functional prevalence of fast resistant motor units.