SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL LOAD OF MOUNTAIN CLIMBING FROM THE RELATION BETWEEN INCLINATION OF WALKING PATH, WALKING SPEED, AND BACKPACK WEIGHT; SIMULATION USING WALKING ON A TREADMILL
- VernacularTitle:歩行路の傾斜，歩行速度，および担荷重量との関連からみた登山時の生理的負担度の体系的な評価〜トレッドミルでのシミュレーション歩行による検討〜
- Author:
MASAHIRO HAGIWARA
;
MASAYOSHI YAMAMOTO
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
mountaineering;
walking;
Mets;
energy expenditure;
negative work
- From:Japanese Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine
2011;60(3):327-341
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
We simulated mountain climbing using walking on a treadmill in order to systematically evaluate the physical load during mountain climbing. The conditions of three types of load-(1) inclination of the walking path (walking uphill and downhill), (2) walking speed, and (3) backpack weight-were varied within the range assumed for normal mountain climbing (40 sets of conditions in total). When the three types of load were expressed as vertical work rate, energy expenditure (VO2) during walking uphill and downhill was distributed along roughly the same curve. The following characteristics of walking uphill and downhill were observed.A. Walking uphillFor all three types of load, increase in load gave a linear increase in VO2 and heart rate (HR). A lactate threshold (LT) appeared at an intensity of 62%VO2max, when HR was 78% HRmax. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was evaluated for the “Breathlessness” and “Leg Fatigue”, and both of these increased roughly in proportion to %VO2max.B. Walking downhillWhen walking downhill, VO2 was 35-50% the intensity of VO2 when walking uphill on the same slope and at the same speed. Energy expenditure did not exceed 60%VO2max in any of the load conditions, and no LT was seen. RPE values were higher for walking downhill than walking uphill, even when %VO2max values were the same. RPE values for the “Leg Fatigue” tended to be higher than for the “Breathlessness” at the same speed in downhill walking.Using these data, we created a table giving the intensity of exercise of mountain climbing expressed as VO2 per unit body mass and metabolic equivalents (Mets) with vertical migration velocity and total weight (Body weight + Backpack weight) as variables. This table gives mountain climbers a systematic understanding of the physical load under various mountain climbing conditions. It is likely to be of use as a reference for mountain climbers of different levels of physical fitness when practicing mountain climbing appropriate to their individual level. The present results suggest that in downhill walking, it is insufficient to express the physical load in energy expenditure (VO2 and Mets) alone, and the load on the leg muscles must also be judged using the RPE in the “Leg Fatigue”.
