A comparison of the effects of bouldering wall and resistance band activities on upper body strength and grip strength in elementary school children
Abstract
This study compared the effects bouldering wall activities to resistance band exercises on
upper body strength and grip strength in elementary school children. Fifty-five (n = 55)
subjects in grades 4-6 participated in the study. The subjects were randomly assigned to
the bouldering wall group GI resistance band group. Both groups participated in a training
period of 6 weeks During the six weeks, climbers were on the bouldering wall for
approximately ten minutes, 2-3 times per week. The subjects who were assigned to the
resistance bands performed 8 exercises that trained the muscles of the upper body. These
subjects performed 2-3 sets of 12 repetitions for each exercise 2-3 times per week.
Pre/post tests for the flexed arm hang and right and left hand grip strength were given to
each subject. The ANCOVA results show a significant difference (p < .05) between pre
and posttest scores for both males and females in both groups. Chi Square results show
that there were significantly fewer participants below the Healthy Fitness Zone, and
significantly more in the Healthy Fitness Zone (x' = 8.22, df = 2, p = .016) after
treatment. There was not a significant difference (p > .05) between the groups before or
after the training period. This study indicated that bouldering wall and resistance band
activities were equally effective in developing upper body and grip strength in elementary
students.
Subject
Physical fitness for children
Muscle strength
Grip strength
Indoor rock climbing - Physiological aspects