Studia Kinanthropologica

Studia Kinanthropologica 2012, 13(1):7-11

Effect of climbing ability on energy expenditure of easy and moderately difficult routes

J. Baláš^*, M. Panáčková, V. Bunc

Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Fakulta tělesné výchovy a sportu

The aim of the study was to assess differences in the energy expenditure of easy and moderately difficult routes in climbers with different climbing abilities. Eleven sport climbers were divided according to their climbing ability to beginners, recreational and experienced climbers. The oxygen consumption during climbing on a vertical wall differed significantly among beginners 27.1 ± 0.9 ml.kg^-1.min^-1, recreational 25.0 ± 2.3 ml.kg^-1 .min^-1 and experienced climbers 22.5 ± 1.4 ml.kg^-1.min^-1. Significant differences in oxygen consumption were also found during the climbing in a slightly overhanging route (110°): beginners 38.6 ± 4.2 ml.kg^-1.min^-1; recreational 33.4 ± 2.8 ml.kg^-1.min^-1 and experienced climbers 29.7 ± 4.23 ml.kg^-1.min^-1. Similar results of the oxygen consumption were obtained during the climbing with a given speed 25 movements.min^-1. It was showed that climbing ability is an important factor of the energy expenditure. The sport climbing may represent the activity with a considerable impact on the body aerobic capacity either in beginners or in experienced climbers.

Keywords: sport climbing; energy expenditure; aerobic fitness

Published: March 30, 2012  Show citation