Characteristics of counter-movements in sport climbing: a comparison between experienced climbers and beginners

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the movement characteristics of sport climbing on the basis of the difference in basic movements between experienced climbers and beginners. [Participants and Methods] Eighteen healthy men participated in this study, including 9 experienced climbers and 9 beginners. A two-dimensional motion analysis was conducted with two digital cameras. The motion tasks were the counter-movements, including before and after each movement, which was classified into 5 phases. In each phase, the joint angles of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and trunk were calculated. In the frontal plane, the center of gravity (COG) trajectory, motion speed, and motion time were calculated, which were compared between the climbers and the beginners in each phase. [Results] A significant difference was observed in the horizontal direction of the COG movement width. The beginners tended to have smaller shoulder flexion and abduction, and larger elbow flexion on the supporting side, and smaller hip flexion and abduction and knee flexion on the support side than the climbers. [Conclusion] This study suggests that climbers adopt a strategy to reduce the burden on the upper extremities by efficiently using the trunk and lower extremities to move their COG.