Vol 8, Issue 2

Health-Related Fitness and Energy Expenditure in Recreational Youth Rock Climbers 8-16 Years of Age

Authors

Shannon R. SiegelCalifornia State University – San Bernardino
Jacob M. RobinsonCalifornia State University, San Bernardino
Sean A. JohnstonCalifornia State University, San Bernardino
Martin R. LindleySchool of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University
Karin A. PfeifferMichigan State University
International Journal of Exercise Science 8(2): 174-183, 2015.
DOI: 10.70252/NBCG6654

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

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