Validity of the climbing test with increasing speed to determine the maximal sport specific oxygen uptake in females
Abstract
The aim of the study was to propose and verify the climbing test with increasing speed on the overhanging wall to determine the maximal sport specific oxygen uptake (VO2 max). Fourteen female climbers with a climbing ability ranging from 3 to 10 UIAA scale (Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme) took part in the study.
The test started at an inclination of 105o and at the climbing speed of 20 (25 or 30 in more advanced climbers) movements.min-1. The speed of climbing was increased by 5 movements.min-1 every three minutes.
The test ended with the fall of the climber associated with individual exhaustion. Climbing ability was closely related to attained climbing speed (r = 0.90) and maximal specific oxygen uptake (r = 0.72).
Results showed that the test with the increasing speed on overhanging wall is suitable to determine the specific VO2 max in female sport climbers. The results suggest that a minimal sport specific VO2 max 45 - 50 ml.kg-1.min-1for female climbers is indispensable to climb hard routes.