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

Abstract

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 (SpO(2)), 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, SpO(2), HR, and TPD measurements were implemented before and after climbing. HS was measured with a dynanzometet; SpO(2) 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 (p<0.05). After rock climbing, SpO(2) reduced, which was different from ice climbing (p<0.05). HR parameters showed that after both rock and ice climbing, there was a similar significant increment (p<0.05). TPD value decreased after rock climbing but increased after ice climbing (p<0.05). The HS difference between pre and post-climbing did not show any significant difference between ice and rock climbers (p>0.05). With regards to SpO(2), 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<0.05).

Conclusion: It can be said that climbing can affect handgrip strength, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and two-point discrimination tactile feel. For handgrip strength both rock and ice climbing show the same effects, but oxygen saturation, and heart rate parameters negatively affect rock climbing, compared to ice climbing. Tactile resolution ability via two-point discrimination can clearly decrease after ice climbing.