Physiological demands of indoor wall climbing in children

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the physiological demands of indoor wall climbing in children. Twenty-five children (aged 8–12 years) from a climbing school, with a performance RP (red point) of IV to V+ UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme) scale (5.4 to 5.7 YDS [Yosemite Decimal System] and 4a to 5a Sport/French scale), participated in the study. All 25 children climbed the first vertical route (IV UIAA, 5.4 YDS, 4a Sport/French) and 10 went on to complete the 110° overhanging route (IV+ UIAA, 5.5 YDS, 4b Sport/French). Both routes were climbed in a top rope style, at a self-selected pace. A portable gas analyser was used to assess the physiological response to the climbs. In addition, the time spent climbing by the children was recorded during the subsequent eight-week period. There were no significant differences found in the peak oxygen consumption between boys and girls, or for the route inclinations, with mean values of around 40 ml·kg^− 1·min^− 1. The children also achieved similarly high mean % values of HR_max, of between approximately 81–90%. To conclude, a typical children's climbing session involves short intermittent high intensity climbing, interspersed with longer periods of rest. It is possible that climbing in short intermittent bursts, as seen in the present research, may be considered high intensity training, with sufficient intensity to influence aerobic fitness in children.

Keywords::

• children
• climbing
• oxygen consumption
• energy expenditure

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the PRVOUK P38 and Czech Science Foundation [grant number P407-12-0166].