Acute response of handgrip strength, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and tactile discrimination after rock and ice climbing

Background: The current study aims to determine the acute effects of rock and ice climbing on a particular strength, circulation, and tactile feeling features that could affect climbing performance when considered together, such as handgrip strength (HS), oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), and tactile discrimination using two-point discrimination (TPD). To this end, 13 rock climbers and 16 ice climbers, who had at least ten years of experience, participated in the study. Methods: HS, SpO2, HR, and TPD measurements were implemented before and after climbing. HS was measured with a dynamometer, SpO2 and HR were measured with a pulse oximeter, and the TPD measurement was performed with a two-point discriminator. The two groups of climbers had different branches, and they aimed to climb to the highest point (15-20 m). In order to define statistical significance, a 2x2 mixed factor, an ANOVA test, and LSD correction tool were used. Results: According to obtained data, right and left HS significantly decreased after rock and ice climbing (p0.05). With regards to SpO2, HR, and TPD measurements between pre and post-climbing, there are significant differences between rock and ice climbing in favor of the rock climbers (p