EMS Recovery Effects in Sport Climbing

Sport climbing often requires athletes to perform repeated climbing efforts with short rest periods. Over time, fatigue can build up in the muscles of the arms and forearms, which may reduce performance and increase the difficulty of continuing to climb at the same level. This study aims to better understand different recovery methods that climbers may use between climbing efforts. Specifically, the study compares two recovery approaches: electrical muscle stimulation-based recovery and passive recovery (resting while seated). In this study, adult male sport climbers will complete a structured climbing task designed to induce fatigue. After the climbing task, participants will receive one of the two recovery methods. On a separate study visit, they will complete the same procedure using the other recovery method. The order of the recovery methods will be randomized, and there will be a break of one week between sessions. During the study sessions, researchers will record climbing-related performance measures, simple strength and endurance tasks, heart rate, and how hard the participants feel they are working. The information collected will help researchers better understand recovery strategies used in climbing and may inform training and recovery practices for athletes in the future. Participation in the study is voluntary, and all procedures are conducted under controlled laboratory conditions.