Performance Of Climbers Research Articles

Regional Body Composition and Strength, Not Total Body Composition, Are Determinants of Performance in Climbers

Objective: To compare the body composition of Chilean climbers of different performance levels and to determine the relation between the forearm and upper-trunk lean mass and the handgrip and upper-body traction strength, respectively. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on thirty Chilean male adult climbers (26.1 ± 4.9 y.): nine of intermediate level (L1), eleven advanced (L2), and ten elite (L3). Through dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA; Lunar Prodigy®), fat mass percentage (FM%), total lean mass (LM), forearm lean mass (FLM), and upper-trunk lean mass (UTLM) were measured. Total muscle mass (TMM) was also estimated. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured with a Jamar® dynamometer. Maximum upper-body traction strength (UBTS) was evaluated with a standardized movement. The level of climbing was assessed according to IRCRA rules. Results: No differences in FM%, total LM, UTLM, or TMM between the groups were found. Left and assistant FLM were significantly higher in L3 (p = 0.047 and 0.041, respectively). HGS absolute, relative, and adjusted by FLM were not different between groups. FLM was associated with HGS in all segments (p ≤ 0.001). UBTS absolute values, and as adjusted by TMM, were significantly higher in L3 (p = 0.047 and p = 0.049, respectively). Conclusions: Left and non-dominant forearm lean mass were significantly higher in elite climbers. Handgrip strength was not significantly higher in elite climbers; however, the upper-body traction strength was significantly higher in elite climbers, independent of total or regional muscle mass.

Escalando no estado de São Paulo: levantamento dos ginásios e dos praticantes

The practice of sport climbing has been growing, especially in recent years, with the inclusion of this sport in the Olympic Games, showing greater adherence of the population, despite the need for investment to practice it. The present study surveyed and analyzed the spaces of this indoor practice in the state of Sao Paulo and the climbers who attend these spaces. The method used was exploratory descriptive research with the application of a questionnaire, whose sample consisted of 28 climbing spaces and 152 subjects, all climbers divided in 102 men and 50 women, all aged 18 years or older. As a result, it was possible to realize that the spaces are concerned in promoting the sport; with the practice guided by qualified professionals; provide events for socialization and dissemination of climbing; offer specific equipment and other activities to improve the technique and performance of climbers. Regarding to climbers it was observed that they use these spaces to prepare themselves for later climbing in natural environment; as well to health gains; they practice recreationally rather than competitively, preferring mainly the guided/top rope style and; they have in the psychological factor their greatest difficulty. It is possible to conclude that indoor climbing has expanded in the state of Sao Paulo, as well as the interest of practitioners in this practice, especially for women.

Post-activation Potentiation Response of Climbers Performing the Upper Body Power Exercise.

The purpose of this study was to determine a performance-enhancing effect of post-activation potentiation (PAP) stimulus on climbing-specific upper body power exercises, measured by the IRCRA Power Slap test on a campus board. Two groups of climbers performed the test under one of two conditions: without initial pre-loading (control group) or after 5RM (repetition maximum) pull-ups (PAP group). The test was performed at four time points: at baseline (PRE) and after 4 (POST4), 6 (POST6), and 8 (POST8) minutes of a PAP stimulus (PAP group) or after the same rest period lengths (control group). The results showed that post-baseline slap distances were significantly greater in the experimental group while no change was seen in the control group [repeated measures ANOVA: F(3,42) = 6.26, p = 0.001]. Post hoc analysis revealed no significant difference between any of the post-baseline trials in both groups. The mean improvement in the first POST4 test in the experimental (PAP) group was +6.5 cm (6.8%). The results of the present study suggest that PAP might be beneficial for acute improvement of upper body power performance in climbers. Therefore we conclude that such stimuli might be advisable for climbers as a part of the warm-up before bouldering competitions and training as well. They might also offer a stronger stimulus for climbers working on power development.

#NeverLeaveTheDogBehind

This article considers the performance of climbers’ identities in mountain landscapes through the images they take of their dogs in wild places. Drawing on the notion of a dramaturgy of self-presentation (Goffman, 1959), it seeks to apply this theory to an age in which social media platforms - particularly Instagram - have changed the way we present ourselves and how we connect with mountain landscapes. It draws upon semi-structured written interviews with a range of outdoor enthusiasts and blends this with personal experience, seeking to address questions like: are pictures of dogs in the mountains inherently more appealing than pictures of people? Why do we want to photograph our dogs in the hills? What do we think these images say about us?

Somatic Profile of the Elite Boulderers in Poland.

Ozimek, M, Krawczyk, M, Zadarko, E, Barabasz, Z, Ambroży, T, Stanula, A, Mucha, DK, Jurczak, A, and Mucha, D. Somatic profile of the elite boulderers in Poland. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 963-970, 2017-The study was designed to determine the values of selected somatic characteristics, body proportions, and the somatotype of elite bouldering climbers in Poland and to establish the relationships between the values of the somatic characteristics and climber's performance in bouldering. The study was conducted in a group of elite sport climbers (n = 10) who were ranked by the Polish Mountaineering Association in 2011, 2012, and 2013. The anthropometric measurements were made according to the relevant rules and standards. The results were used to calculate the values of somatic variables and body proportion indices for the climbers and to establish their somatotype. The results were compared with the data on untrained students (n = 165). The boulderers were found to differ significantly from the controls regarding body height (p < 0.01), body mass (p ≤ 0.05), body density (p < 0.01), fat mass percentage (FM%) (p < 0.01), fat mass (FMkg) (p < 0.01), lean body mass (p ≤ 0.05), arm span (p ≤ 0.05), and leg length (p < 0.01). Body proportions in the groups significantly differed in the arm length index (p < 0.01), arm-to-leg length ratio (p < 0.01), and in the indices of the forearm (p < 0.01), thigh (p < 0.01), and lower leg (p ≤ 0.05) muscles. With regard to the somatotypes of the analyzed groups, the biggest differences were observed for the levels of mesomorphy (NS) and endomorphy, the latter being statistically significant (p < 0.01). The strongest and significant correlations between the competitive level of the climbers and the values of their somatic characteristics were established for FM% (r = -0.81), fat mass (in kilograms) (r = -0.82), body density (r = 0.81), endomorphy (r = -0.74), arm length (r = 0.77), and the arm length index (r = 0.80). The results of linear regression showed that the competitive level of a bouldering climber was significantly explained (p < 0.01) by fat mass (in kilograms) and the value of the arm length index. A high level of performance in bouldering is related to small stature (an ecto-mesomorph somatotype) and a low body fat percentage (low endomorphy). Regarding body proportions, greater than average arm length to body height ratio and well-developed musculature of the limbs are required for a boulderer to perform on a competitive level. High arm length index and low body fat percentage represent the strongest determinants of performance in bouldering. It can be assumed that arm length index has a high diagnostic value for recruitment and selection of climbers.