The Relationship Between Rock Climbing and Total Body Strength and Endurance

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to assess the relationship between muscular strength and endurance and time to complete a rock wall climb. Methods: The researchers of this study tested 22 participants ranging from 19-25 years of age. An informed consent and a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ+) form were completed by each individual before being cleared to participate in this study. Data collection was completed on two separate days. On the first day, participants completed four fitness tests which consisted of a hand grip strength assessment, a 10-repetition maximum (RM) leg press, a flexed arm hang test, and a plank test. The second day consisted of a timed indoor rock climb. Results: Statistical significance for all analyses was set at p ≤ 0.05. A Pearson’s Test of Correlations showed a significant, moderate negative correlation between right hand grip and rock climbing time (r=-0.47), left hand grip and rock climbing time (r=-0.49), total hand grip and rock climbing time (r= -0.49), 10-RM leg press and rock climbing time (r=-0.46), and flexed arm hang and rock climbing time (r=-0.51). An independent t-test looking at the differences between males and females showed that males performed significantly better than females on all the variables tested, except for exercise frequency. Conclusion: The results of this study show that increased muscular strength and endurance is associated with a faster rock climbing time. It can be concluded that rock climbing ability is influenced by both upper and lower body strength and endurance, the combination of which creates those better apt to climb the wall in shorter times. This study demonstrates that rock climbers could benefit from training programs that incorporate total body movements instead of solely focusing on one aspect of musculature