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- Title
Health-related Fitness and Energy Expenditure in Recreational Youth Rock Climbers 8-16 Years of Age.
- Authors
SIEGEL, SHANNON R.; ROBINSON, JACOB M.; JOHNSTON, SEAN A.; LINDLEY, MARTIN R.; PFEIFFER, KARIN A.
- Abstract
Information on the characteristics of youth rock climbers is minimal. The purpose was to 1) Determine the influence of a three-month program of bouldering and vertical rock climbing on the anthropometry and health-related physical fitness of relatively novice youth climbers, and 2) determine whether rock climbing and bouldering in novice youth climbers can provide adequate levels of moderate to vigourous physical activity (US DHHS, 2008). Fifteen participants (11 males and 4 females; mean age = 11.5 ± 2.3 years) from a newly established youth climbing team were assessed twice weekly during their normal two-hour training sessions at a local rock gym. Body composition, flexibility, grip strength, and anthropometric estimates of somatotype were measured in August and November. Heart rate (HR) monitors recorded average activity heart rate (AHR), peak heart rate (HRpeak), and estimated energy expended (EE-kcals) during each climbing session. Basic descriptive statistics were run; repeat measure ANOVAs were used to assess changes between times. Estimated percent body fat did not change, but individual skinfolds (biceps and supraspinale) decreased significantly (p<0.05). Flexibility assessed with the right back-saver sit- and-reach increased significantly (p<0.05), but the left back saver did not. AHR ranged between 104-163 bpm, and exercise intensity often reached moderate levels. Overall, the sample had a healthy body composition, a stronger than average grip strength, and an average physique. This activity met recommendations for exercise intensity and duration, and for muscle and bone strengthening. Participating in rock climbing on a regular basis can provide moderate intensity physical activity for youth climbers.
- Subjects
MOUNTAINEERS; ROCK climbing; PHYSICAL fitness research; PHYSICAL activity measurement; HEART beat measurement
- Publication
International Journal of Exercise Science, 2015, Vol 8, Issue 2, p174
- ISSN
1939-795X
- Publication type
Article