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Söderqvist K, Identeg F, Zimmerman J, Senorski EH, Sansone M, Hedelin H. Validity and Reliability of Finger-Strength Testing in 6 Common Grip Techniques for the Assessment of Bouldering Ability in Men. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024; 19:290-298. [PMID: 38307010 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the criterion validity and test-retest reliability of isometric finger-strength testing in 6 differentiated grip techniques for the assessment of bouldering ability among male climbers. METHODS We recruited participants at climbing gyms in Sweden and through online advertisements. We included climbers over 15 years of age with a minimum bouldering performance level of 17 International Rock Climbing and Research Association (IRCRA) for men and 15 IRCRA for women. We tested unilateral, maximal isometric peak finger strength in the front 3 drag, half crimp, closed crimp, 35 sloper, 45 × 90-mm, and 90 × 90-mm pinch through maximal force deloaded of a force plate. We analyzed criterion validity, test-retest reliability, and capacity to determine bouldering performance ability using a stepwise multivariable regression model. RESULTS Women were excluded from the analysis due to insufficient sample size (n = 16). Thirty-two male participants were included in the primary analysis. The median (interquartile range) age in the advanced and elite group was 27 (25; 35) and 23 (22; 32) years, respectively. The half crimp for the participants' weak and strong hand displayed the highest ability to determine bouldering grade performance, explaining 48% to 58% of the variance. In the stepwise regression, maximal strength in the half crimp and the front 3 drag collectively explained 66% of the variance for performance. CONCLUSION Strength in the half crimp proved the most important performance indicator. The results of this study provide a reliable and valid framework for maximal isometric peak finger-strength testing in advanced and elite male boulderers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Söderqvist
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Identeg
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas Zimmerman
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eric Hamrin Senorski
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikael Sansone
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Hedelin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Pastor T, Schweizer A, Andronic O, Dietrich LG, Berk T, Gueorguiev B, Pastor T. A Life Dedicated to Climbing and Its Sequelae in the Fingers-A Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:17050. [PMID: 36554928 PMCID: PMC9778768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192417050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fingers of sport climbers are exposed to high mechanical loads. This work focuses on the fingers of a 52-year-old active elite climber who was the first in mankind to master 8B (V13), 8B+ (V14) and 8C (V15) graded boulders, bringing lifelong high-intensity loads to his hands. It is therefore hypothesized that he belongs to a small group of people with the highest accumulative loads to their fingers in the climbing scene. Fingers were analyzed by means of ultrasonography, X-rays and physical examination. Soft tissue and bone adaptations, as well as the onset of osteoarthritis and finger stiffness, were found, especially in digit III, the longest and therefore most loaded digit. Finally, this article aims to provide an overview of the current literature in this field. In conclusion, elite sport climbing results in soft tissue and bone adaptations in the fingers, and the literature provides evidence that these adaptations increase over one's career. However, at later stages, radiographic and clinical signs of osteoarthritis, especially in the middle finger, seem to occur, although they may not be symptomatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Pastor
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- AO Research Institute Davos, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Schweizer
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Octavian Andronic
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Léna G. Dietrich
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Till Berk
- AO Research Institute Davos, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
- Department of Trauma, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Torsten Pastor
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland
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Devise M, Lechaptois C, Berton E, Vigouroux L. Effects of Different Hangboard Training Intensities on Finger Grip Strength, Stamina, and Endurance. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:862782. [PMID: 35498522 PMCID: PMC9039162 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.862782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Climbing-specific training programs on hangboards are often based on dead-hang repetitions, but little is known about the real intensity applied during such effort. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the effects of different training intensities (maximal, high submaximal, and low submaximal intensities) on the fingers' physiological capabilities using a hangboard fitted with force sensors. In total, 54 experienced climbers (13 women and 41 men) were randomly divided into four groups, with each group following different training intensity programs: maximal strength program performed at 100% of the maximal finger strength (MFS; F100), intermittent repetitions at 80% MFS (F80), intermittent repetitions at 60% MFS (F60), and no specific training (control group). Participants trained on a 12 mm-deep hold, twice a week for 4 weeks. The MFS, stamina, and endurance levels were evaluated using force data before and after training. Results showed similar values in the control group between pre- and post-tests. A significantly improved MFS was observed in the F100 and F80 groups but not in the F60 group. Significantly higher stamina and endurance measurements were observed in the F80 and F60 groups but not in the F100 group. These results showed that a 4-week hangboard training enabled increasing MFS, stamina and endurance, and that different improvements occurred according to the level of training intensity. Interestingly, the different intensities allow improvements in the targeted capacity (e.g., stamina for the F80 group) but also in the adjacent physiological capabilities (e.g., MFS for the F80 group).
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Pastor T, Schweizer A, Reissner L, Pastor T, Spörri J, Fröhlich S. Long-term evolution of cartilage abnormalities and osteophytes in the fingers of elite sport climbers: A cross-sectional 10-year follow-up study. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:1452-1458. [PMID: 34121624 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1943716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The sequelae of high mechanical stress to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the fingers in elite sport climbers and its contribution to the development of osteoarthritis are still relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the evolution of cartilage abnormalities of the PIP and DIP joints, as well as the progress of osteophytes, in the fingers of elite sport climbers with a minimum of 25 years of climbing history over the time period of the last 10 years. Moreover, their actual cartilage abnormalities and osteophyte occurrence were compared to non-climbing age-matched controls. Thirty-one elite male sport climbers and 15 male non-climbers underwent a sonographic examination of the PIP and DIP joint cartilage and osteophyte thickness in the frontal and sagittal plane of digits II-V of both hands. The same cohort had already been measured with an identical protocol 10 years earlier (follow-up rate of 100%). Compared to the baseline assessment 10 years earlier, the cartilage thickness of sport climbers has significantly decreased; however, it was still greater than in age-matched controls. Moreover, sport climbers showed significantly higher relative frequencies of osteophyte occurrence than non-climbers (all fingers and joints). Nevertheless, despite a substantial (and compared to baseline a further increased) occurrence of osteophytes in elite sport climbers, there was no association between the radiological signs of osteoarthritis and pain within the last six months prior the follow-up investigation.Highlights Long-term elite climbers show thicker cartilage and occurrence of Osteophytes in their fingers (especially Digit III) compared to controls already early in their career.Later occurrence of osteophytes increases (especially Digit II and IV) and cartilage decreases but is still thicker compared to controls. No association between those findings and pain was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Pastor
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland.,Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Schweizer
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Reissner
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tatjana Pastor
- Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Spörri
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Centre for Prevention and Sports Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedics, Sports Medical Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Fröhlich
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Centre for Prevention and Sports Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedics, Sports Medical Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Levernier G, Laffaye G. Four Weeks of Finger Grip Training Increases the Rate of Force Development and the Maximal Force in Elite and Top World-Ranking Climbers. J Strength Cond Res 2019; 33:2471-2480. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000002230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Pastor T, Fröhlich S, Spörri J, Schreiber T, Schweizer A. Cartilage abnormalities and osteophytes in the fingers of elite sport climbers: An ultrasonography-based cross-sectional study. Eur J Sport Sci 2019; 20:269-276. [DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2019.1631389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Pastor
- Department of Orthopaedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Fröhlich
- Department of Orthopaedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Spörri
- Department of Orthopaedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tonja Schreiber
- Department of Orthopaedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Schweizer
- Department of Orthopaedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Morenas Martín J, Del Campo VL, Leyton Román M, Gómez-Valadés Horrillo JM, Gómez Navarrete JS. Description of the finger mechanical load of climbers of different levels during different hand grips in sport climbing. J Sports Sci 2013; 31:1713-21. [PMID: 23751129 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2013.797592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Currently, direct empirical evidence exists about the amount of mechanical load that climbers apply to each finger during several hand grips specific to sport climbing, but not yet in a specific hanging position. The objectives of this study are a) to draw and build a solid and rigid support that simulates the real action of a hand grip in a hanging position in sport climbing, to enable the measurement of the mechanical load endured by the fingers in a hanging position and in addition, b) to describe the distribution of mechanical load among fingers as a function of the level of climbing during different hand grips in a hanging position. Thirty young male participants took part in the initial phase of reliability of the measurements, while another 64 male climbers participated in the subsequent study phase to check the relations between independent and dependent variables. The level of on sight climbing and the total practice experience were used to define the groups. The research task consisted of performing hanging positions on the created support in order to measure the mechanical load endured by the fingers in the three most characteristic hand grips in climbing (crimp, half crimp and slope). It has been concluded that the performance level of the climbers had no influence on the production of a pattern of differentiated finger mechanical load during the research task.
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Kuo LC, Chen SW, Lin CJ, Lin WJ, Lin SC, Su FC. The force synergy of human digits in static and dynamic cylindrical grasps. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60509. [PMID: 23544151 PMCID: PMC3609754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores the force synergy of human digits in both static and dynamic cylindrical grasping conditions. The patterns of digit force distribution, error compensation, and the relationships among digit forces are examined to quantify the synergetic patterns and coordination of multi-finger movements. This study recruited 24 healthy participants to perform cylindrical grasps using a glass simulator under normal grasping and one-finger restricted conditions. Parameters such as the grasping force, patterns of digit force distribution, and the force coefficient of variation are determined. Correlation coefficients and principal component analysis (PCA) are used to estimate the synergy strength under the dynamic grasping condition. Specific distribution patterns of digit forces are identified for various conditions. The compensation of adjacent fingers for the force in the normal direction of an absent finger agrees with the principle of error compensation. For digit forces in anti-gravity directions, the distribution patterns vary significantly by participant. The forces exerted by the thumb are closely related to those exerted by other fingers under all conditions. The index-middle and middle-ring finger pairs demonstrate a significant relationship. The PCA results show that the normal forces of digits are highly coordinated. This study reveals that normal force synergy exists under both static and dynamic cylindrical grasping conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Chieh Kuo
- Department of Occupational Therapy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ju Lin
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jr Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Che Lin
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Fong-Chin Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Amca AM, Vigouroux L, Aritan S, Berton E. Effect of hold depth and grip technique on maximal finger forces in rock climbing. J Sports Sci 2012; 30:669-77. [PMID: 22339482 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2012.658845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to understand how the commonly used climbing-specific grip techniques and hold depths influence the finger force capacities. Ten advanced climbers performed maximal voluntary force on four different hold depths (from 1 to 4 cm) and in two force directions (antero-posterior and vertical) using three grip techniques (slope, half crimp and full crimp). A specially designed platform instrumented with a 6-degrees-of-freedom (DoF) force/torque sensor was used to record force values. Results showed that the maximal vertical forces differed significantly according to the hold depth and the grip technique (ranged from 350.8 N to 575.7 N). The maximal vertical forces increased according to the hold depth but the form of this increase differed depending on grip technique. These results seemed to be more associated with finger-hold contact/interaction than with internal biomechanical factors. Similar results were revealed for antero-posterior forces (ranged from 69.9 N to 138.0 N) but, it was additionally noted that climbers have different hand-forearm posture strategies with slope and crimp grip techniques when applying antero-posterior forces. This point is important as it could influence the body position adopted during climbing according to the chosen grip technique. For trainers and designers, a polynomial regression model was proposed in order to predict the mean maximal force based on hold depth and adopted grip technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Mithat Amca
- School of Sport Sciences and Technology, Biomechanics Research Group, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Quaine F, Paclet F, Letué F, Moutet F. Force sharing and neutral line during finger extension tasks. Hum Mov Sci 2011; 31:749-57. [PMID: 22119423 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2011.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
There is general consensus that the minimization of the secondary torque of the hand provides a universal model for explaining the force sharing patterns among the fingers. Since biomechanical secondary axes of the hand are unchanged in extension, it appears relevant to validate this model for finger extension forces. Fifteen subjects performed flexion and extension forces in a four-finger task. Each fingertip force was expressed in percentage of the force produced by an individual finger force over the resultant four-finger force (force sharing), and the point of force application of the resultant force was calculated (neutral line). The force-sharing pattern was different for flexion and extension. The index and ring fingers were equally involved, regardless of the task. The neutral line was located differently in flexion and extension, and for proximal and distal force application in extension. The mode of control of the finger redundancy was specific to the force production in flexion and extension. In flexion, the principle of minimization of secondary torque was confirmed. This was not observed in extension. We concluded that the minimization of the secondary torque is not a universal mode of control of the finger redundancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Quaine
- GIPSA-Lab, CNRS UMR 5216, Control System Department, SAIGA Team, Grenoble University, France.
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