Authors
Hannah K. Eberhardt, [1]Department of Human Performance and Health, The University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, USA, [2]Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
Matthew F. Brisebois, Department of Human Performance and Health, The University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, USA
Matthew A. Yeomans, Department of Human Performance and Health, The University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, USA
Patrick G. Saracino, Department of Human Performance and Health, The University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, USA
International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1355-1366, 2025.
DOI: 10.70252/EAFV3707
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the acute physiological responses to a single bout of rope climbing high-intensity interval training (RC-HIIT) and compare the responses between sexes as no data currently exists on this training modality. Following an overnight fast, body composition was assessed, and resting measurements were recorded. Participants then completed an exercise protocol consisting of 10 rounds of maximal effort rope climbing using a 30:60 second work:rest ratio. Gas analysis and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously. Blood lactate (BLa) was measured following the final work interval. Participants remained seated for 25 minutes post-exercise to assess V̇O2 recovery. 22 recreationally active participants (11M/11F, 24 ± 7 yrs, 171.5 ± 7.9 cm, 69.9 ± 12.1 kg, 18.9 ± 6.0% body fat) completed the study. Combined average HR during exercise was 141 ± 19 bpm (74.0 ± 10.4% age predicted maximal HR (APMHR)) and peak HR reached 172 ± 17 bpm (90.3 ± 8.8% APMHR). Average exercise V̇O2 was 18.8 ml/kg/min with peak V̇O2 values of 27.2 ml/kg/min. Energy expenditure during exercise was 99 ± 28 kcal. Post-exercise BLa was 9.8 ± 3.1 mmol. PACES scores indicated high enjoyment with this modality (101.5 ± 15.9). Average exercise V̇O2, peak V̇O2, energy expenditure, and post- exercise BLa were greater in males than females (p < 0.05). No sex differences were observed for HR responses or exercise enjoyment. A 15-minute RC-HIIT bout induces HR responses indicative of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise in both sexes with greater physiological responses in males compared to females.
Recommended Citation
Eberhardt, Hannah K.; Brisebois, Matthew F.; Yeomans, Matthew A.; Saracino, Patrick G.; (2025) “Acute Physiological Responses to Rope Climbing Ergometer High-Intensity Interval Training in Males and Females,” International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 18 : Iss. 3, Pages 1355-1366.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/EAFV3707