Despite the scarcity of research in this area, the importance of core power in climbing is acknowledged by most trainers and elite climbers. In this Master’s thesis I evaluated the importance of the extent of power and power endurance of the core. I also analysed the connection between this and the success of sport climbing. For this purpose, I divided the participants of the research into three groups (beginners, recreational climbers and elite climbers). The measurements of core power were obtained with the help of the Back-check device and the measurements of power endurance of core and hip flexors by implementing the Trunk flexion 45° test. Measurements of power and power endurance of finger flexors, explosive power of lower extremities, and anthropometric features were also taken into account. The information about the level of climbing skills and other relevant data was gathered via a questionnaire.
The research shows that better climbers have greater maximal power of trunk flexors, extensors and side flexors. They also show greater power endurance in trunk and hip flexors and achieve better results in the power and power endurance of finger flexors measurements. Better climbers are lighter, the ratio of muscle and bone mass is higher, and they have a wider arm span. The regression analysis shows the greatest influence of the power of finger flexors, the power endurance of core and hip flexors and the power of side core flexors. The arm span and mineral bone density are shown to be the most important anthropometric features and are crucial to successful climbing.
The core power shows the greatest positive connection with the maximal power and power endurance of finger flexors, wider arm span and the ratio of muscle mass in the body. The participants with greater maximal core power also show greater power endurance of core muscles.
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