Document Detail


Measuring lifting forces in rock climbing: effect of hold size and fingertip structure.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21451181     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
This study investigates the hypothesis that shallow edge lifting force in high-level rock climbers is more strongly related to fingertip soft tissue anatomy than to absolute strength or strength to body mass ratio. Fifteen experienced climbers performed repeated maximal single hand lifting exercises on rectangular sandstone edges of depth 2.8, 4.3, 5.8, 7.3, and 12.5 mm while standing on a force measurement platform. Fingertip soft tissue dimensions were assessed by ultrasound imaging. Shallow edge (2.8 and 4.3 mm) lifting force, in newtons or body mass normalized, was uncorrelated with deep edge (12.5 mm) lifting force (r < .1). There was a positive correlation (r = .65, p < .05) between lifting force in newtons at 2.8 mm edge depth and tip of bone to tip of finger pulp measurement (r < .37 at other edge depths). The results confirm the common perception that maximum lifting force on a deep edge ("strength") does not predict maximum force production on very shallow edges. It is suggested that increased fingertip pulp dimension or plasticity may enable increased deformation of the fingertip, increasing the skin to rock contact area on very shallow edges, and thus increase the limit of force production. The study also confirmed previous assumptions of left/right force symmetry in climbers.
Authors:
Roger Bourne; Mark Halaki; Benedicte Vanwanseele; Jillian Clarke
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of applied biomechanics     Volume:  27     ISSN:  1065-8483     ISO Abbreviation:  J Appl Biomech     Publication Date:  2011 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-03-31     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9315240     Medline TA:  J Appl Biomech     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  40-6     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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