Author(s): GARCIA, G., CAMPOVERDE, F., GARCIA, D., Institution: UNIVERSIDAD SAN FRANCISCO DE QUITO USFQ, Country: ECUADOR, Abstract-ID: 454

INTRODUCTION:
Climbing performance is influenced by multiple factors including grip strength, technical proficiency, and muscular endurance. However, the combined effects of climbing experience and grip-specific demands on neuromuscular and biomechanical have received limited attention. This study examined how different climbing skill levels (sedentary, intermediate, advanced) and grip types (sloper, crimp, pinch) influence muscle activation, postural stability, and joint kinematics in male and female participants during the armlifting exercise; an exercise commonly used by climbers for strength and endurance training.
METHODS:
Forty-two adults (21 males, 21 females) were assigned to sedentary, intermediate, or advanced climbing groups. Participants performed one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests and submaximal endurance trials with three grip types. Surface EMG was recorded from eight upper limb muscles. Motion capture, and dual force plates captured kinematics and postural stability. Linear mixed-effects models assessed Ranking, Grip, and their interaction (α = 0.05) by sex.
RESULTS:
Significant Rank × Grip interactions were found for 1RM force, with advanced climbers outperforming others across grips (p < .0001). EMG data revealed higher flexor muscle activation (FDP, FDS, BRD) in advanced males, especially with the crimp grip (p < .01), while sedentary females showed consistently higher FDP and BRD activation across grips (p < .01), suggesting compensatory recruitment. Median EMG frequency, an indicator of fatigue, was lower in sedentary participants, with significant differences in FDS and FDP for both sexes (p < .05).
ROM analysis showed that advanced males had greater knee ROM in the sloper grip (p = .01), while sedentary females demonstrated greater shoulder, pelvis, and thorax ROM than climbers in the sloper and crimp grips (p < .01). Intermediate females exhibited superior ankle ROM compared to sedentary peers (p < .0001). CoP-based stability metrics differed by sex and grip: advanced males had larger CoPy displacements in crimp (p < .0001), while advanced females showed greater fatigue index in GRFz with the sloper grip (p = .03).
CONCLUSION:
Findings indicate distinct biomechanical and neuromuscular adaptations across skill levels and sexes during climbing-specific tasks. Advanced climbers exhibit efficient force production with reduced co-activation and fatigue, while sedentary participants compensate with increased muscle activation and joint ROM. These results support the development of targeted training interventions based on grip type, sex, and experience, and highlight the relevance of EMG, force, and kinematic measures in assessing climbing-specific performance.