The exercise pressor response to indoor rock climbing

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Response
• Sports Science

Background:

• Indoor rock climbing, including bouldering, is a popular activity.
• Understanding the physiological demands, particularly cardiovascular stress, is crucial for athlete safety and performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the blood pressure, heart rate, and mouth pressure responses during indoor rock climbing (bouldering) and related training exercises.
• To compare these responses with those typically observed during other upper-limb resistance exercises.

Main Methods:

• Six trained male climbers participated.
• Measurements included blood pressure (via indwelling femoral arterial catheter), heart rate, and mouth pressure during bouldering and training exercises (isometric pull-ups, weighted pull-ups, campus board).

Main Results:

• Bouldering induced significant increases in systolic (44%), diastolic (70%), and mean arterial pressure (56%), along with a 76% increase in heart rate.
• The campus board exercise elicited the highest systolic pressure (218 mmHg), with some individuals reaching 273/189 mmHg.
• Peak mouth pressure during climbing was 31 mmHg, independent of difficulty.

Conclusions:

• Indoor rock climbing and associated training generate substantial cardiovascular stress, leading to high blood pressures.
• These pressor responses may be greater than those in other upper-limb resistance exercises.
• Findings can inform risk stratification and safety guidelines for rock climbers.