Physical fitness of elite youth sports climbers: Gender differences and correlates of climbing ability

Study aim: This study assessed gender-based differences in physical fitness and the relationships between fitness variables and climbing performance among elite youth sports climbers.

Material and methods: The research sample included 20 climbers: 11 female (age: 14.82 ± 1.47 years; body mass: 50.92 ± 5.91 kg; body height: 164.27 ± 5.33 cm) and 9 male (age: 14.67 ± 1.41 years; body mass: 57.36 ± 3.67 kg; body height: 173.44 ± 5.71 cm). Generic fitness tests included jump ergometry, the Y-balance test and the adapted Grant foot-raise test. Sport-specific tests included hangboard assessments (maximum finger hang, rate of force development (RFD) and hang time), pull-ups and toe-to-bar exercises. Independent t-tests identified gender differences, while Pearson’s correlation coeffcients assessed variable relationships.

Results: Males outperformed females in the squat jump (p = 0.04) and countermovement jump (p = 0.03), and the RFD test for the right hand (p = 0.01). Correlation analysis showed that in females, climbing performance was associated with Y-balance test scores (right leg: r = 0.79; left leg: r = 0.87), maximum finger strength (left hand: r = 0.76, p < 0.01), maximum relative force (r = 0.80, p < 0.01), and hang time (r = 0.65, p < 0.05). In males, lead climbing correlated with hang time (r = 0.71, p < 0.01) and bouldering with RFD (left hand: r = 0.76, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: These findings reveal significant gender differences and gender-specific performance predictors, highlighting the need for tailored training programmes during developmental stages.