Stiffness and thickness of the upper trapezius muscle increase after repeated climbing bouts in male climbers

Abstract

Background Indoor climbing involves overloading the shoulder girdle, including the rotator cuff and upper trapezius muscles. This on the field study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated climbing bouts on morphological and mechanical measures of the upper trapezius muscle. Materials and Methods Fifteen experienced male climbers participated in the study. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate concentration ([La−]b), and stiffness and thickness over four points of the upper trapezius were assessed before and after a repeated climbing exercise. The procedure for the climbing exercise consisted of five climbs for a total time of 5-minutes per climb, followed by a 5-minute rest. Results The analysis showed an increase from baseline to after the 3rd climb (p ≤ 0.01) for RPE and after the 5th climb for [La−]b (p ≤ 0.001). Muscle stiffness and thickness increased at all points (1–2–3–4) after the 5th climb (p ≤ 0.01). We found spatial heterogeneity in muscle stiffness and thickness; muscle stiffness was the highest at Point 4 (p ≤ 0.01), while muscle thickness reached the highest values at points 1–2 (both p ≤ 0.01). Moreover, the analysis between the dominant and non-dominant shoulder showed greater stiffness after the 1st climb at Point 1 (p = 0.004) and after the 5th climb at Point 4 (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions For muscle thickness, the analysis showed significant changes in time and location between the dominant and the non-dominant shoulder. Bilateral increases in upper trapezius muscle stiffness and thickness, with simultaneous increases in RPE and blood lactate in response to consecutive climbs eliciting fatigue.

Effect of training effort on neuromuscular control, static balance and muscle mechanical properties in ice hockey players

“…It seems interesting to assess asymmetry in the context of the increasing level of fatigue, e.g., in training conditions. On the other hand, training experience and the level of training of athletes may affect the acute responses of athletes, and thus the level of post-exercise changes in the body's functions, e.g., neuromuscular [33] or mechanical properties [25]. In conclusion, by better understanding the impact of asymmetry between limbs on motor and athletic performance, we will be able to provide important information on the design of training and testing protocols.…”

“…Myotometry is an operator-independent method of assessing stiffness, exibility, and muscle tone in the lower and upper extremities that does not require as much experience from the operator as other techniques, such as ultrasound [22]. In addition, the feasibility, reproducibility and legitimacy of using myotometry in assessing musculotendinous stiffness in athletes such as karatekas, track cyclists and climbers have already been demonstrated [23,24,25]. However, only a few studies describe the myotometric evaluation of muscles and tendons in sports [23], but none have been conducted with hockey players.…”