THE EFFECT OF PROFILE OF WALL AND SPEED CLIMBING ON ENERGY EXPENDITURE IN A GROUP OF RECREATIONAL AND ELITE CLIMBERS
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of inclination of wall, speed climbing and effect of climbing experience on climbing energy expenditure in recreational and elite climbers. The study involved 8 climbers aged 22-33, divided into two groups (recreational and elite climbers) based on performance.
Recreational climbers climbed the vertical wall profile (90o) at their own pace and according to speed determined by metronome. Likewise elite climbers climbed in two speeds, but in three inclinations of wall: vertical profile (90o), slightly overhanging profile (112o) and overhanging profile (132o).
The effect of inclination of wall contributed significantly (p<0,01) to the increase of energy expenditure (90o, 31,1 kJ. min-1; 112o, 41,2 kJ. min-1; 132o, 50,2 kJ. min-1). The study showed a significant difference (p<0,01) between the energy demands of climbing in recreational (42,1 +- 4,9 kJ. min-1) and elite (31,0 +- 1,3 kJ. min-1) climbers during climbing vertical wall.
The results of study demonstrated the effect of inclination of wall and speed of climbing on energy expenditure during climbing. Climbing belongs to the sports with moderate energy demand during climbing vertical route graded 4 UIAA in recreational climbers.
Not only for beginners but also for recreational and performance climbers is climbing sport, which can affect the aerobic fitness of the organism.