Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the effect of work and recovery period on intermittent climbing performance until exhaustion. Methods.
Fifteen climbers volunteered to the experiment with three climbing workloads: continuous, intermittent with 30 s climbing and 30 s recovery (test 30/30), intermittent with 60 s climbing and 60 s recovery (test 60/60. The attained number of movements was taken as climbing performance.
The heart rate (HR) was measured during the whole testing and the HR decrease during recovery period was assessed in intermittent tests. Results.
The climbers achieved 2.5 fold and 3.5 fold higher performance in the 60/60 test, respective the 30/30 test than in continuous test. Maximal HR was significantly higher in intermittent tests (179,176 beats.min-1) than in continuous test (165 beats.min-1) indicating higher functional response during intermittent workload.
Climbers with regular aerobic activities demonstrated greater decrease in HR during recovery period in comparison with the climbers without aerobic activities. Conclusion.
Intermittent climbing workload with shorter period of workload and recovery enables higher workload of heavy intensity and elicits higher cardiovascular response than traditionally practiced continuous climbing. The non-specific aerobic training is associated with a faster recovery during the rest period of the intermittent exercise.