Using an interactive climbing wall to develop motivation for physical education

The article presents the experience of working with students with intellectual disabilities. The process of psychological support at physical education lessons, the development of mental abilities and physical abilities and skills necessary for the socialization of students is described.

Psychophysiological responses to treadwall and indoor wall climbing in adult female climbers

The purpose of the study was to compare the psychophysiological response of climbers of a range of abilities (lower grade to advanced) when ascending identical climbing routes on a climbing wall and a rotating treadwall. Twenty-two female climbers (31.2 ± 9.4 years; 60.5 ± 6.5 kg; 168.6 ± 5.7 cm) completed two identical 18 m climbing trials (graded 4 on the French Sport scale) separated by 1 week, one on the treadwall (climbing low to the ground) and the other on the indoor wall (climbing in height). Indirect calorimetry, venous blood samples and video-analysis were used to assess energy cost, hormonal response and time-load characteristics. Energy costs were higher during indoor wall climbing comparing to those on the treadwall by 16% (P < 0.001, $$\upmu _{{\text{p}}}^{2}$$ μ p 2 = 0.48). No interaction of climbing ability and climbing condition were found. However, there was an interaction for climbing ability and post-climbing catecholamine concentration (P < 0.01, $$\upmu _{{\text{p}}}^{2}$$ μ p 2 = 0.28). Advanced climbers’ catecholamine response increased by 238% and 166% with respect to pre-climb values on the treadwall and indoor wall, respectively; while lower grade climbers pre-climb concentrations were elevated by 281% and 376% on the treadwall and indoor wall, respectively. The video analysis showed no differences in any time-motion variables between treadwall and indoor wall climbing. The study demonstrated a greater metabolic response for indoor wall climbing, however, the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

Canaries at the Climbing Wall: A Comparative Study of Particulate Matter at Two University Climbing Walls

Magnesium alba—chalk—is regularly applied by indoor and outdoor climbers to their hands to reduce sweat while climbing in order to grip climbing holds. We investigated the potential for suspended chalk dust to lead to unhealthy levels of indoor particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in two university climbing facilities. Low-cost, Dylos DC 1700 PM monitors sampled air quality during two, 5-day sampling periods. Findings revealed “good” PM values at one university climbing facility and “unhealthy” (PM2.5) or “very unhealthy” (PM10) values at the other institution’s climbing wall. Facility predicted over 60% of the variance in PM readings, and post hoc tests revealed 75% of the variance in PM values at the second institution can be explained by open climbing hours. These findings hold a variety of implications for future research and management of university climbing wall facilities to ensure the health of staff and their patrons.

Innovative force sensor for indoor climbing holds – real-time measurements and data processing, design and validation

In this article, a system to measure the evolution of load in time and space during indoor climbing is described. The system is based on a set of dedicated multiaxial load cells, which measure the load on each hold of an indoor climbing wall. When the climber hangs on a hold, the load signal is read and sent to a digital acquisition and processing system. Sensor design allows for measurement of the force components applied to the climbing holds, regardless of the application point of the force on the hold. Local deformations were measured through strain gauges. Based on the electrical configuration of the strain gauges, the values of the applied forces can be computed, making the contributions to the deformation due to bending moments and torsion negligible. The sensor was designed, assuming a maximum applicable load of 200 kg without plastic deformation. The design process was based on both analytical and finite element method analyses. An experimental calibration and testing campaign was performed to validate the sensor design.

Competitive modelling in speed climbing

The article analyzes the available scientific and methodological literature about training in the discipline of speed climbing. The speed climbing wall is described. It is divided into three parts with different characteristics, to clarify the specifics of the competitive distance. The physiological characteristics of competitive activity in speed climbing were studied.

Grzegorz Królikiewicz: “Holds in the Climbing Wall”

A critical commentary on Grzegorz Królikiewicz text "White Noise."