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Stien N, Langer K, Andersen V, Engelsrud GH, Olsen E, Saeterbakken AH. Development of Specific Motor Skills through System Wall Bouldering Training: A Pilot Study. TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE 2024; 2024:5584962. [PMID: 39015173 PMCID: PMC11250695 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5584962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of a five-week period of practicing specific climbing movements using a system wall on motor skills and bouldering performance compared to self-regulated, conventional bouldering. Thirteen advanced female boulderers (age: 24.5 ± 3.6 years, height: 166.9 ± 3.4 cm, and body mass: 63.4 ± 8.0 kg) were divided into an experimental group (n = 7) and a control group (n = 6). Both groups continued their normal training routines during the intervention, but the experimental group dedicated 30 minutes of their climbing time twice per week to practicing specific motor skills on a system climbing wall. Before and after the intervention, the participants attempted two boulder problems on the same wall. The performance was registered as the number of attempts to complete the boulder problems and as the highest hold reached within four attempts. Video recordings of climbers' best attempts, capturing the highest hold reached from a perspective directly behind them, were analyzed by three independent experts. The analysis was conducted using a five-point scale across six categories of movement quality. Modest enhancements in certain motor skills and performance were evident in both groups, revealing no significant distinction between them. The results underscore the efficacy of incorporating system walls into the training routines of advanced female boulder climbers, but the absence of between-group differences highlights the significance of individual preferences when choosing between conventional and system wall bouldering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolay Stien
- Faculty of EducationArts and SportsWestern Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Kaja Langer
- Department of Human SciencesInstitute of Sports ScienceTechnical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Vidar Andersen
- Faculty of EducationArts and SportsWestern Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Gunn Helene Engelsrud
- Faculty of EducationArts and SportsWestern Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Elias Olsen
- Faculty of EducationArts and SportsWestern Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Atle Hole Saeterbakken
- Faculty of EducationArts and SportsWestern Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
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Dindorf C, Dully J, Berger J, Becker S, Wolf E, Simon S, Bartaguiz E, Kemmler W, Fröhlich M. Assessing the Impact of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation-Based Fingerboard Training versus Conventional Fingerboard Training on Finger Flexor Endurance in Intermediate to Advanced Sports Climbers: A Randomized Controlled Study. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:4100. [PMID: 39000879 PMCID: PMC11244570 DOI: 10.3390/s24134100] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Competitive climbers engage in highly structured training regimens to achieve peak performance levels, with efficient time management as a critical aspect. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training can close the gap between time-efficient conditioning training and achieving optimal prerequisites for peak climbing-specific performances. Therefore, we examined potential neuromuscular adaptations resulting from the NMFES intervention by analyzing the efficacy of twice-weekly NMES-supported fingerboard (hang board) training compared with thrice-weekly conventional fingerboard training over 7 training weeks in enhancing climbing-specific endurance among intermediate to advanced climbers. Participants were randomly divided into the NMES and control groups. Eighteen participants completed the study (14 male, 4 female; mean age: 25.7 ± 5.3 years; mean climbing experience: 6.4 ± 3.4 years). Endurance was assessed by measuring the maximal time athletes could support their body weight (hanging to exhaustion) on a 20 mm-deep ledge at three intervals: pre-, in-between- (after 4 weeks of training), and post-training (after 7 weeks of training). The findings revealed that despite the lower training volume in the NMES group, no significant differences were observed between the NMES and control groups in climbing-specific endurance. Both groups exhibited notable improvements in endurance, particularly after the in-between test. Consequently, a twice-weekly NMES-supported fingerboard training regimen demonstrated non-inferiority to a thrice-weekly conventional training routine. Incorporating NMES into fingerboard workouts could offer time-saving benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Dindorf
- Department of Sports Science, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany; (J.D.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (E.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Jonas Dully
- Department of Sports Science, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany; (J.D.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (E.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Joshua Berger
- Department of Applied Training Science, German University for Prevention and Health Management, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany;
| | - Stephan Becker
- Department of Sports Science, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany; (J.D.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (E.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Emanuel Wolf
- Department of Sports Science, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany; (J.D.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (E.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Steven Simon
- Department of Sports Science, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany; (J.D.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (E.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Eva Bartaguiz
- Department of Sports Science, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany; (J.D.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (E.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Wolfgang Kemmler
- Institute of Medical Physics and Microtissue Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Michael Fröhlich
- Department of Sports Science, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany; (J.D.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (E.B.); (M.F.)
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Lee MC, Hsu YJ, Chen MT, Kuo YW, Lin JH, Hsu YC, Huang YY, Li CM, Tsai SY, Hsia KC, Ho HH, Huang CC. Efficacy of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66 and Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02 in Enhancing Explosive Strength and Endurance: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2024; 16:1921. [PMID: 38931275 PMCID: PMC11206817 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Probiotics are posited to enhance exercise performance by influencing muscle protein synthesis, augmenting glycogen storage, and reducing inflammation. This double-blind study randomized 88 participants to receive a six-week intervention with either a placebo, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66, Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02, or a combination of both strains, combined with a structured exercise training program. We assessed changes in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), exercise performance, and gut microbiota composition before and after the intervention. Further analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of probiotics on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), muscle integrity, and inflammatory markers in the blood, 24 and 48 h post-intervention. The results demonstrated that all probiotic groups exhibited significant enhancements in exercise performance and attenuation of muscle strength decline post-exercise exhaustion (p < 0.05). Notably, PL-02 intake significantly increased muscle mass, whereas LY-66 and the combination therapy significantly reduced body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed an increase in beneficial bacteria, especially a significant rise in Akkermansia muciniphila following supplementation with PL-02 and LY-66 (p < 0.05). Overall, the combination of exercise training and supplementation with PL-02, LY-66, and their combination improved muscle strength, explosiveness, and endurance performance, and had beneficial effects on body composition and gastrointestinal health, as evidenced by data obtained from non-athlete participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mon-Chien Lee
- Graduate Institute of Sports Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan 333325, Taiwan; (M.-C.L.); (Y.-J.H.)
- Center for General Education, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Sports Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan 333325, Taiwan; (M.-C.L.); (Y.-J.H.)
| | - Mu-Tsung Chen
- Committee on General Studies, Shih Chien University, Taipei City 104, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Wei Kuo
- Functional R&D Department, Research and Design Center, Glac Biotech Co., Ltd., Tainan City 744, Taiwan; (Y.-W.K.); (J.-H.L.); (Y.-Y.H.); (C.-M.L.); (H.-H.H.)
| | - Jia-Hung Lin
- Functional R&D Department, Research and Design Center, Glac Biotech Co., Ltd., Tainan City 744, Taiwan; (Y.-W.K.); (J.-H.L.); (Y.-Y.H.); (C.-M.L.); (H.-H.H.)
| | - Yu-Chieh Hsu
- Research Product Department, Research and Design Center, Glac Biotech Co., Ltd., Tainan City 744, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-C.H.)
| | - Yen-Yu Huang
- Functional R&D Department, Research and Design Center, Glac Biotech Co., Ltd., Tainan City 744, Taiwan; (Y.-W.K.); (J.-H.L.); (Y.-Y.H.); (C.-M.L.); (H.-H.H.)
| | - Ching-Min Li
- Functional R&D Department, Research and Design Center, Glac Biotech Co., Ltd., Tainan City 744, Taiwan; (Y.-W.K.); (J.-H.L.); (Y.-Y.H.); (C.-M.L.); (H.-H.H.)
| | - Shin-Yu Tsai
- Research Product Department, Research and Design Center, Glac Biotech Co., Ltd., Tainan City 744, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-C.H.)
| | - Ko-Chiang Hsia
- Research Product Department, Research and Design Center, Glac Biotech Co., Ltd., Tainan City 744, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-C.H.)
| | - Hsieh-Hsun Ho
- Functional R&D Department, Research and Design Center, Glac Biotech Co., Ltd., Tainan City 744, Taiwan; (Y.-W.K.); (J.-H.L.); (Y.-Y.H.); (C.-M.L.); (H.-H.H.)
- Research Product Department, Research and Design Center, Glac Biotech Co., Ltd., Tainan City 744, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-C.H.)
| | - Chi-Chang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Sports Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan 333325, Taiwan; (M.-C.L.); (Y.-J.H.)
- Tajen University, Pingtung 907101, Taiwan
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Saeterbakken AH, Stien N, Pedersen H, Langer K, Scott S, Michailov ML, Gronhaug G, Baláš J, Solstad TEJ, Andersen V. The Connection Between Resistance Training, Climbing Performance, and Injury Prevention. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2024; 10:10. [PMID: 38240903 PMCID: PMC10798940 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00677-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climbing is an intricate sport composed of various disciplines, holds, styles, distances between holds, and levels of difficulty. In highly skilled climbers the potential for further strength-specific adaptations to increase performance may be marginal in elite climbers. With an eye on the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, more climbers are trying to maximize performance and improve training strategies. The relationships between muscular strength and climbing performance, as well as the role of strength in injury prevention, remain to be fully elucidated. This narrative review seeks to discuss the current literature regarding the effect of resistance training in improving maximal strength, muscle hypertrophy, muscular power, and local muscular endurance on climbing performance, and as a strategy to prevent injuries. MAIN BODY Since sport climbing requires exerting forces against gravity to maintain grip and move the body along the route, it is generally accepted that a climber`s absolute and relative muscular strength are important for climbing performance. Performance characteristics of forearm flexor muscles (hang-time on ledge, force output, rate of force development, and oxidative capacity) discriminate between climbing performance level, climbing styles, and between climbers and non-climbers. Strength of the hand and wrist flexors, shoulders and upper limbs has gained much attention in the scientific literature, and it has been suggested that both general and specific strength training should be part of a climber`s training program. Furthermore, the ability to generate sub-maximal force in different work-rest ratios has proved useful, in examining finger flexor endurance capacity while trying to mimic real-world climbing demands. Importantly, fingers and shoulders are the most frequent injury locations in climbing. Due to the high mechanical stress and load on the finger flexors, fingerboard and campus board training should be limited in lower-graded climbers. Coaches should address, acknowledge, and screen for amenorrhea and disordered eating in climbers. CONCLUSION Structured low-volume high-resistance training, twice per week hanging from small ledges or a fingerboard, is a feasible approach for climbers. The current injury prevention training aims to increase the level of performance through building tolerance to performance-relevant load exposure and promoting this approach in the climbing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atle Hole Saeterbakken
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Sogndal, Røyrgata 6, 6856, Sogndal, Norway.
| | - Nicolay Stien
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Sogndal, Røyrgata 6, 6856, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Helene Pedersen
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Sogndal, Røyrgata 6, 6856, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Kaja Langer
- Department of Human Sciences, Institute of Sports Science, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Suzanne Scott
- School of Anatomy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Gudmund Gronhaug
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Sogndal, Røyrgata 6, 6856, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Jiří Baláš
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tom Erik Jorung Solstad
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Sogndal, Røyrgata 6, 6856, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Vidar Andersen
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Sogndal, Røyrgata 6, 6856, Sogndal, Norway
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Javorský T, Saeterbakken AH, Andersen V, Baláš J. Comparing low volume of blood flow restricted to high-intensity resistance training of the finger flexors to maintain climbing-specific strength and endurance: a crossover study. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1256136. [PMID: 37841889 PMCID: PMC10570524 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1256136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction It is acknowledged that training during recovery periods after injury involves reducing both volume and intensity, often resulting in losses of sport-specific fitness. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity training (HIT) and low-intensity training with blood flow restriction (LIT + BFR) of the finger flexors in order to preserve climbing-specific strength and endurance. Methods In a crossover design, thirteen intermediate climbers completed two 5-week periods of isometric finger flexors training on a hangboard. The trainings consisted of ten LIT + BFR (30% of max) or HIT sessions (60% of max without BFR) and were undertaken in a randomized order. The training session consisted of 6 unilateral sets of 1 min intermittent hanging at a 7:3 work relief ratio for both hands. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), force impulse from the 4 min all out test (W), critical force (CF) and force impulse above the critical force (W') of the finger flexors were assessed before, after the first, and after the second training period, using a climbing-specific dynamometer. Forearm muscle oxidative capacity was estimated from an occlusion test using near-infrared spectroscopy at the same time points. Results Both training methods led to maintaining strength and endurance indicators, however, no interaction (P > 0.05) was found between the training methods for any strength or endurance variable. A significant increase (P = 0.002) was found for W, primarily driven by the HIT group (pretest-25078 ± 7584 N.s, post-test-27327 ± 8051 N.s, P = 0.012, Cohen's d = 0.29). There were no significant (P > 0.05) pre- post-test changes for MVC (HIT: Cohen's d = 0.13; LIT + BFR: Cohen's d = -0.10), CF (HIT: Cohen's d = 0.36; LIT + BFR = 0.05), W` (HIT: Cohen's d = -0.03, LIT + BFR = 0.12), and forearm muscle oxidative capacity (HIT: Cohen's d = -0.23; LIT + BFR: Cohen's d = -0.07). Conclusions Low volume of BFR and HIT led to similar results, maintaining climbing-specific strength and endurance in lower grade and intermediate climbers. It appears that using BFR training may be an alternative approach after finger injury as low mechanical impact occurs during training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Javorský
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Atle Hole Saeterbakken
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Vidar Andersen
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Jiří Baláš
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Langer K, Simon C, Wiemeyer J. Physical performance testing in climbing-A systematic review. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1130812. [PMID: 37229362 PMCID: PMC10203485 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1130812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the increasing popularity of climbing, the corresponding diagnostics are gaining in importance for both science and practice. This review aims to give an overview of the quality of different diagnostic testing- and measurement methods for performance, strength, endurance, and flexibility in climbing. A systematic literature search for studies including quantitative methods and tests for measuring different forms of strength, endurance, flexibility, or performance in climbing and bouldering was conducted on PubMed and SPORT Discus. Studies and abstracts were included if they a) worked with a representative sample of human boulderers and/or climbers, b) included detailed information on at least one test, and c) were randomized-controlled-, cohort-, cross-over-, intervention-, or case studies. 156 studies were included into the review. Data regarding subject characteristics, as well as the implementation and quality of all relevant tests were extracted from the studies. Tests with similar exercises were grouped and the information on a) measured value, b) unit, c) subject characteristics (sex and ability level), and d) quality criteria (objectivity, reliability, validity) were bundled and displayed in standardized tables. In total, 63 different tests were identified, of which some comprised different ways of implementation. This clearly shows that there are no uniform or standard procedures in climbing diagnostics, for tests on strength, endurance or flexibility. Furthermore, only few studies report data on test quality and detailed information on sample characteristics. This not only makes it difficult to compare test results, but at the same time makes it impossible to give precise test recommendations. Nevertheless, this overview of the current state of research contributes to the creation of more uniform test batteries in the future.
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