PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION IN NONCOMPETITIVE ROCK CLIMBERS: GOOD FOR AEROBIC FITNESS?

摘要

The present investigation aimed to establish whether noncompetitive rock climbing fulfills sports medicine recommendations for maintaining a good level of aerobic fitness. The physiological profile of 13 rock climbers, 8 men (age, 43 ± 8 years) and 5 women (age, 31 ± 8 years) was assessed by means of laboratory tests. Maximal aerobic power (Vo^sub 2^peak) and ventilatory threshold (VT) were assessed using a cycloergometer incremental test. During outdoor rock face climbing, Vo^sub 2^ and heart rate (HR) were measured with a portable metabolimeter and the relative steady-state values (Vo^sub 2^ and HR during rock climbing) were computed. Blood lactate was measured during recovery. All data are presented as mean ± SD. Vo^sub 2^peak was 39.1 ± 4.3 mL*kg^sup -1^.min^sup -1^ in men and 39.7 ± 5 mL*kg^*min^sup -1^ in women, while VT was 29.4 ± 3.0 mL*kg^sup -1^*min^sup -1^ in men and 28.8 ± 4.6 mL*kg^sup -1^*min^sup -1^ in women. The Vo^sub 2^ during rock climbing was 28.3 ± 1.5 mL*kg^sup -1^*min^sup -1^ in men and 27.5 ± 3.7 mL*kg^sup -1^*min^sup -1^ in women. The HR during rock climbing was 144 ± 16 b*min^sup -1^ in men and 164 ± 13 b*min^sup -1^ in women. The aerobic profile was classified from excellent to superior in accordance with the standards of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The exercise intensity (Vo^sub 2^ during rock climbing expressed as a percentage of Vo^sub 2^peak) was 70 ± 6% in men and 72 ± 8% in women. Moreover, the energy expenditure was 1000-1500 kcal per week. In conclusion, noncompetitive rock climbing has proved to be a typical aerobic activity. The intensity of exercise is comparable to that recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine to maintain good cardiorespiratory fitness. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]