INTRODUCTION

People in Western countries are gaining more and more weight, which is mainly due to a lack of physical activity predisposing to cardiovascular illnesses. Mountaineering, in particular multi-pitch climbing, seems to have protective effects on the metabolic and cardiovascular systems because it is a low-intensity activity lasting several hours, which leads to continuous physical stimulation.

METHODS

Eight climbers in four two-person rope teams with a good leisure sports level and regular climbing activity completed a multi-pitch climbing route (Pfriendler 2501 metres above sea level Via Fritz/Steingletscher/Sustenpass Canton of Bern/Switzerland) with a total of seven pitches with difficulties between 4b and 5c(+) (French Scale). Climbers were monitored with heart rate gear during the whole climbing activity, which allowed us to analyse heart rates after climbing.

RESULTS

During a single climbing pitch, heart rate values increased from 86 ± 18 to 135 ± 4 beats per minute on average. The average heart rate was 126 ± 2 beats per minute, which is 67 % of the maximum heart rate on average. The whole tour lasted 5 h 55 min with an average heart rate of 108 ± 9 beats per minute being measured, yielding an average of 56 ± 5 % of the maximum heart rate.

DISCUSSION

The results point out the low intensity of multi-pitch mountaineering and imply a stimulation of fat metabolism, which highlights the potential of mountaineering for preventing metabolic diseases.