Marcolin, G, Faggian, S, Muschietti, M, Matteraglia, L, and Paoli, A. Determinants of climbing performance: when finger flexor strength and endurance count. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1099–1104, 2022—Aim of the study was: (a) to compare finger flexor strength and endurance among climbers and nonclimbers; (b) to predict climbers' level of ability using climbing-specific strength tests and prolonged fatigue protocols. 17 advanced climbers (ADV), 17 intermediate climbers (INT), and 15 nonclimbers (NOCLIMB) performed a maximal finger grip test on a climbing-specific device, a maximal handgrip test, 20 intermittent isometric maximal contractions (E1), a suspension test on a bar till exhaustion, and again 20 intermittent isometric maximal contractions (E2). Strength values were normalized to body weight (%BW). The handgrip test failed to discriminate ADV from INT. Maximal finger flexor strength differed among ADV (59.90 ± 9.42 %BW), INT (46.75 ± 8.40 %BW) and NOCLIMB (36.40 ± 6.51 %BW) (p < 0.0001; ηp2: 0.586). ADV showed the best suspension time (58.55 ± 14.87 seconds) followed by INT (32.55 ± 16.87 seconds) and NOCLIMB (17.20 ± 14.30 seconds) (p < 0.0001; ηp2: 0.563). ADV showed the best endurance performance in both E1 and E2. The highest correlations with climbers' ability scores were obtained with sport-specific tests (maximal finger strength, r = 0.60, p < 0.0001; bar suspension, r = 0.69, p < 0.0001) and at the highest level of fatigue (E2, r = 0.74, p < 0.0001). Strength and endurance gain more importance in determining climbers' ability if assessed with finger specific tests and after prolonged fatigue.

Background: Obesity is associated with a higher energy cost of walking which affects activities of daily living. Bariatric surgery with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has beneficial effects on weight loss and comorbidities. Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of SG on walking economy in subjects with severe obesity. Methods: This observational cohort study included all patients with morbid obesity who were considered suitable candidates for SG between June 2017 and June 2019. Each patient underwent an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill (modified Bruce protocol) one month before and six months after SG. Data on the energy cost of walking were recorded during three protocol stages (stage 0—slow flat walking: speed 2.7 km/h, slope 0%; stage ½—slow uphill walking: speed 2.7 km/h, slope 5%; stage 1—fast uphill walking: speed 4.0 km/h, slope 8%). Results: 139 patients with morbid obesity (78% women; age 44.1 ± 10.7 years; BMI 42.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2) were included in the study. At six months post-SG, patients presented with a significantly decreased body weight (−30.5 ± 17.2 kg; p < 0.05), leading to an average BMI of 31.6 ± 4.2 kg/m2. The net energy cost of walking (measured in J/m and J/kg/m) of the subjects was lower compared to pre-SG at all three protocol stages. This improvement was also confirmed when the subjects were grouped by gender and obesity classes. Conclusion: After a significant weight loss induced by SG, regardless of the severity of obesity and gender, patients exhibited a lower energy expenditure and an improved walking economy. These changes make it easier to perform daily routines and may facilitate an increase in physical activity.