Research > Research Inventory > Kinesiology: Studies of Human Movement
Dynamics of Experience in a Learning Protocol: A Case Study in Climbing
Authors: Rochat N, Hacques G, Ganière C, Seifert L, Hauw D, Iodice P, Adé D. | Year: 2020
Summary/Results: This case study followed a 20-year-old beginner climber over 10 training sessions to explore how his lived experience shaped skill development. Researchers combined phenomenological interviews (exploring his intentions, actions, and perceptions) with objective fluency measures (such as climbing time and movement smoothness). The climber defined “fluency” mostly in terms of timing—avoiding pauses, hesitations, or jerky movements. His learning process was non-linear, with episodes of errors, self-corrections, and shifting focus between hand-only strategies and hand–foot coordination. On novel routes, he experienced different types of disruptions to his fluency, including climbs where timing stayed smooth, others where disruptions emerged later, some where errors caused momentary breaks, and some where disruptions kept recurring. Sometimes his self-perception of fluency matched performance data, but at other times he felt inefficient even when scores showed progress. This highlights the importance of studying both subjective experience and objective behavior in climbing skill acquisition.
Beta Angel note: The study’s attention to how a climber feels fluency—even when numbers say otherwise—points to the deep role of perception in learning. It’s a reminder that coaches may need to listen just as much to athletes’ inner experiences as to performance metrics.
Reference: Front. Psychol., 19 February 2020 — Sec. Movement Science — Volume 11 (2020) | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00249
Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00249/full
Assessment of fluency dynamics in climbing
Authors: Ludovic Seifert, Guillaume Hacques, Rémi Rivet, Pierre Legreneur | Year: 2020
Summary/Results:
This study tested a new system that measured how long climbers held onto each hold during a lead climbing route. Forty-four competitive climbers were analyzed on a 13 IRCRA-grade route (French 6b) with 41 instrumented holds. Ten climbers who fell were removed from analysis. Among the remaining 34 who topped the route, researchers grouped them into four distinct movement styles based on how long they spent on each hold. The climbers who spent less time on key crux holds also had the fastest overall ascent times. This system gives coaches detailed feedback about movement smoothness and coordination between limbs, helping them see where a climber may hesitate or move inefficiently.
Beta-Angel note: The use of instrumented holds to capture real-time fluency is a huge leap forward for coaches. If integrated into commercial gyms, it could change how we track pacing, hesitations, or fatigue across routes.
Reference: Sports Biomech. 2020 Oct;23(4). doi: 10.1080/14763141.2020.1830161. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2020.1830161
Climbing performance analysis: A novel tool for the assessment of rock climber’s movement performance
Authors: Nicola Taylor, David Giles, Michaela Panáčková, James Mitchell, Joel Chidley, Nick Draper | Year: 2020
Summary/Results:
This study developed and tested a new observational tool, the Climber’s Movement Performance Assessment Tool (CM-PAT), to help assess how well climbers move on a route. After interviewing 10 expert coaches, the authors created a 14-item scoring system grouped into five categories: base of support, transitioning, coordination, technique, and tactics. Four experienced coaches then used the CM-PAT to score 61 intermediate to advanced climbers (IRCRA grades 11–16) during a single lead climb. The tool showed strong agreement between different raters and matched well with self-reported ability, climbing success, pace, and geometric entropy (a measure of movement fluency). CM-PAT scores were especially effective at distinguishing between successful and unsuccessful climbers.
Beta-Angel note: This tool matters because it evaluates movement quality—not just outcomes. It could be used to guide feedback sessions, track progress in training, or assess where in a route a climber begins to break down technically.
Reference:
Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2020 Jan. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2019-0300
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338682414_Climbing_performance_analysis_A_novel_tool_for_the_assessment_of_rock_climber’s_movement_performance
Characteristics of counter-movements in sport climbing: a comparison between experienced climbers and beginners
Authors: D. Asaskawa; M. Sakamoto | Year: 2019
Summary/Results: Researchers tested the joint angle range of motion through 5 specific phases of what they call a “counter-movement” in 9 experienced climbers and 9 beginners. The researchers found distinctions in the joint angles between the two groups throughout the phases, primarily in the shoulder range-of-motion (ROM), constant bending of their arms, and less ability to perch and less ROM in the hip. Beta-Angel note: Good joint angle study of a very specific movement. Our nomenclature for this move, combined with the research findings, is as follows: (phase 1) a system move start in turn-out position (see link), emphasizing greater ROM and reach of the right arm, with lower body facilitating through hip and knee flexion on the right and less hip flexion on the left. This is followed by (phase 2) a reverse flag with left foot, emphasizing greater ROM of both shoulders and a straightened left arm, potentially to allow positioning more over the right foot. This move is followed by a (phase 3) cross under / semi-rose left-handed grab, emphasizing greater right shoulder ROM, and a straighter right arm, which likely allows more perching into the right knee during the cross. This move is followed by a (phase 4) partial perch on the right foot, emphasizing a straighter right arm and more turn-out positioning over the perched right foot. This move is followed by a (phase 5) front-pointing of the right knee into the wall, and a reach out right, emphasizing the grab with a more bent right arm. Primary differences were in the climbers’ horizontal Center of Gravity (CoG) movement, although no differences were found in speed, total distance (possibly meaning there were more vertical or Z-axis movement), and motion time.
Reference: J Phys Ther Sci. 2019 Apr; 31(4): 349–353.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6451957/
Determinants of optimal leg use strategy: horizontal to vertical transition in the parkour wall climb
Author: JL Croft, RT Schroeder, JEA Bertram | Year: 2018
Summary/Results: Researchers used force plates, a camera and 7 parkour athletes to capture a typical “parkour”-style move of running toward and jumping off a wall to attain a higher surface – they then modeled the behavior to determine a more optimal jumping path for the athletes. The model started slightly faster than the athlete, was lower to the ground for longer, and had a shorter stride between the ground and the wall (contact points for both were closer), before maintaining closeness with the wall for longer. Beta-Angel note: the model “optimized” the jump of the parkour athletes by manipulating initial velocity, the location of foot contacts with both ground and wall, the path of the center of mass, and the relative timing of contact/take-off with the CoM’s location and path. Also, of note is that the model looked at leg angle at contact, but largely kept this parameter the same as the athletes, and the model did not look at slipping on the wall nor the impact of swinging legs, both of which may change optimal forces and path.
Reference: J Exp Biol. 2018 Nov 16.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30446542
Kinesiology > Studies of Human Movement
PREDICTION OF CONTACT AND MUSCLE FORCES FROM KINEMATICS DATA ONLY – APPLICATION TO 3D SIMULATION OF CLIMBING MOTION
Authors: L. Reveret, F. Quaine, S. Courtemance, P. Kry | Year: 2018
Summary: Researchers compared 11 climbers averaging 5.10d to 5.14a using two methods of understanding joint torque in climbers: kinematic data (information about the body through video motor capture) from OptiTrack video equipment and force plate sensors designed to capture information about force applied to climbing holds. The kinematic data had an accuracy of 20 to 35% of body weight, which the authors interpret to be similar, if not perfectly ideal, to force plate information. Beta-Angel note: in other words, video may be an imperfect solution to the challenge of force plates.
Reference: 2018 Rock Climbing Research Association Symposium in Chamonix France
https://hal.inria.fr/hal-01963016
Analysis of relations between spatiotemporal movement regulation and performance of discrete actions reveals functionality in skilled climbing
Author: D. Orth, G. Kerr, K. Davids, L. Seifert | Year: 2017
Summary/Results: Researchers looked at how climbers adapt to routes. They discuss the state of the science to date regarding spatial (such as center of mass movement across a route) and temporal (such as quantifying time performing an action) indicators of climbing fluency and attempt to integrate them. They specifically seek to relate climbing actions with whether they increase or decrease measures of climbing efficiency. Beta-Angel note: There are too many gems in this one for me to attempt to summarize a conclusion. Thankfully it’s open source! This article should be required reading for anyone interested in the research behind climbing movement economy. It also has significant practical application.
Reference: Front Psychol. 2017; 8: 1744.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5635808/
An ecological dynamics framework for the acquisition of perceptual-motor skills in climbing
Author: L. Seifert, D. Orth, C. Button, E. Brymer, K. Davids | Year: 2017
Summary/Results: A chapter from a book entitled Extreme Sports Medicine describes how climbers are influenced or “constrained” by certain aspects of their environment, such as task constraints (e.g. preview of the route and safety demands), environmental constraints (e.g. wall slope, hold texture, etc.), and individual constraints (e.g. ability level, anthropometric factors). Specifically, they describe how uncertainty within the climbing environment impacts the psychology (mind-related) and physiology (body-related) of climbers and how the athlete’s exploration of his/her environment is related to performance. The authors suggest that success in performance is a constantly shifting, very individualized adaptation to the athlete’s environment that can be impacted by a feedback loop which constantly looks for more information and opportunities for action and translates them into movement. Beta-Angel note: One of the more interesting aspects of this chapter is a “practical application” section, which amongst other things, suggests the importance of making training mimic the uncertainty and mindset of performance. The authors note that a major challenge involves setting up the ability to “efficiently [explore] in a manner that manages the dangers of performing in unpredictable contexts.” The practical potential of creating a learning paradigm centered not only around the efficiency of what you already know, but the effectiveness of exploration when presented with an unfamiliar environment, deserve considerable thought and further research.
Reference: Chapter from book Extreme Sports Medicine pp 365-382
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-319-28265-7_28
Analysis of climbing postures and movements in sport climbing for realistic 3D climbing animations
AUTHORS: Kyungsik Cha, Eun-Young Lee, Meyong-Hyeon Heo, Kyu-Cheol Shin, Jonghee Son, Dongho Kim | Year: 2015
SUMMARY/RESULTS: Researchers sought to analyze fundamental climbing postures and movements in sport climbing using 3D climbing animation software and an experienced male climber. The researchers were able to analyze a single climbing movement (one handhold to a second handhold) by measuring the speed and flexing of joint angles of different body areas (hip, forearms, shoulders, thighs, shins) in an initial posture and 4 subsequent postures. Work can inform a model for desired position and orientation and proper angles for joints given hand and foot positioning.
REFERENCE: Prcedia Engineering, Volume 112, 2015, 52-57
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705815014241
Model characteristics of athletes — climbers specializing in speed climbing
AUTHOR: O. Shulga | Year: 2014
SUMMARY/RESULTS: The researchers assessed height, number of hand movements, the number of leg pushes, as well as time (in seconds) to the top of the wall. The researchers found a correlation between being height and the number of leg pushes, but while the taller climbers had faster times and fewer hand movements, neither were statistically significant. Beta-Angel note: While we tend not to include non-English research, this particular article was written by the speed coach of one of the girl’s we sponsor for sport climbing and bouldering. It also doesn’t hurt that the Beta Angel’s Aleksnadra can translate Russian.
REFERENCE: Sport Science of Ukraine No 1 (59), 2014
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275154630_Model_characteristics_of_athletes-climbers_specializing_in_speed_climbing_format_record
Design and validation of an observational instrument to assess the technical execution in top-rope climbing
AUTHORS: E. Hernandez, PC Blanco, AG Rodriguez, JM Martin | Year: 2014
SUMMARY/RESULTS: Study authors designed an observational test to assess beginner climber technique and validated the test through consensus of ten judges on a sample of seven climbers. The criteria used three supporting points; balance; leg vs. arm action; fluency; observational on-wall assessment of the next hold; technical use of the grip, foot, and hips; “action line”; use of opposite hand-foot combinations; straight arms; fall technique, and belay commands. The authors suggest the tool is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating the technical execution of beginner climbers.
REFERENCE: Journal of Human Sport & Exercise, Vol. 9, 1, March 2014
http://www.jhse.ua.es/article/view/2014-v9-n1-design-and-validation-of-an-observational-instrument-to-assess-the-technical-execution-in-top-rope-climbing and PDF: https://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/39582/1/jhse_Vol_9_N_I_111-123.pdf
Climbing skill and complexity of climbing wall design: assessment of jerk as a novel indicator of performance fluency
AUTHORS: Ludovic Seifert, Dominic Orth, Jeremie Boulanger, Vladislavs Dovgalecs, Romain Herault, and Keith Davids | Year: 2014
SUMMARY/RESULTS: Use of a performance indicator called “normalized jerk coefficcients” to explore effect of practice and hold design on performance. More “jerky movement” in the hips occurred when a hold had more than one potential way of grabbing it. Additional note that horizontal edges led to differences in technique, specifically a horizontal edge led to more turn-out “open hips” while a vertical edge led to more turn-in “hip to the wall”. Authors recommend that hip trajectory, rotation and orientation is important for ease and grace in climbing. Beta-Angel note: “Oh my god, do you even turn-in?” “Don’t be such a jerk!”
REFERENCE: Journal of applied biomechanics 30(5) · July 2014
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263816970_Climbing_Skill_and_Complexity_of_Climbing_Wall_Design_Assessment_of_Jerk_as_a_Novel_Indicator_of_Performance_Fluency
Geometric entropy during rock climbing — lead vs. top-rope ascents
AUTHORS: P.B. Watts, S. Drum, M. Kilgas, K. Phillips | Year: 2014
SUMMARY/RESULTS: Watts et al. tested six experienced climbers on an outdoor route on both lead climbing and top rope to determine how much their center of mass moved away from the straight path identified for the route, which is known as a concept called ‘geometric entropy’ (defined as movement of the center of mass from an ‘ideal’ trajectory for the route). Researchers concluded that geometric entropy does not differ between top-rope and lead climbing.
REFERENCE: 2nd International Rock Climbing Research Conference, Sep 2014
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/441095_f52f11ccc489434bb70b78ee10563b95.pdf or full article at http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1731&context=ijes
Change in geometric entropy and energy expenditure with repeated ascents in rock climbing
AUTHOR: PB Watts | Year: 2013
SUMMARY/RESULTS: Watts set out to determine whether repeated ascents of a route by 9 climbers change geometric entropy (defined as movement of the center of mass from an ‘ideal’ trajectory for the route). The research found that climbers reduce geometric entropy with practice and route familiarity and the lower entropy is associated with lower climbing energy expenditure. Beta-Angel Note: See Sibella et al. (2007) for more.
REFERENCE: Conference: 2013 Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269630138_Change_in_geometric_entropy_and_energy_expenditure_with_repeated_ascents_in_rock_climbing
Development of a performance assessment tool for rock climbers
AUTHORS: S. Brent, N. Draper, C. Hodgson, G. Blackwell | Year: 2009
SUMMARY/RESULTS: Researchers examined four separate ability levels on a test which measures the height gained from the lower to upper handhold after a climber makes a high step, shifts their weight, or “rocks” their hips, up over the foot, and initiates a climbing hand movement from the high-step position. Novice climbers had an average score of 59.5%, intermediate 71%, Advanced 82%, and Elite climbers 90%, suggesting that this test is a useful measure of climbing performance.
REFERENCE: European Journal of Sport Science, Vol 9, Issue 3, 2009.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17461390902741132
3D analysis of the body center of mass in rock climbing
AUTHORS: F. Sibella, I. Frosio, F. Schena, NA Borghese | Year: 2007
SUMMARY/RESULTS: Researchers searched for common patterns and differences in climbing strategies by studying “geometric entropy” (defined as movement of the center of mass from an ‘ideal’ trajectory for the route) in a group of 12 recreational climbers. Results suggested that the two main climbing strategies were associated with either preferring to emphasize agility over speed and power, or preferring power and more ‘force’ for the movement. While the authors note that they can’t conclude it as the gold standard, the best recreational climbers tried to minimize the power strategy. Beta-Angel note: See Bakker and Boschker (2002) for more.
REFERENCE: Human Movement Science 26 (2007) 841-852
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5909775_3D_analysis_of_the_body_center_of_mass_in_rock_climbing
Rock climbing trajectory: A global variable of rock climbing performance
AUTHORS: D.M. Binney, T. Cochrane | Year: 2002
SUMMARY/RESULTS: The researchers analyzed the length of 72 climbers’ movement paths up 4 competitive climbs at the national and international level. The researchers found that a shorter movement path up the wall appeared to be correlated with climbing performance.
REFERENCE: University of Sheffield Ccentre of Sports Medicine, University of Stafford School of Health, 2002, 2nd Conference Scie tech Climbing & Mountaineering
https://www.thebmc.co.uk/bmcNews/media/u_content/File/competitions/high_perfomance_archive/trajectory.pdf
Analysis of climbing technique using the ProReflex Motion Analysis System
AUTHOR: Bursnall, Messenger | Year: 1999
SUMMARY/RESULTS: Researchers used a video analysis tool to compare the arm movement of five subjects on a wall in quadrupedal posture executing first a low reaching task and then a high reaching task. The primary purpose was to evaluate the use of the video analysis tool in identifying differences and similarities between the climbers for a simple hand movement, which it did. Results also support (1) Quaine et al (1997) in that while reaching for a high hold the body was positioned closer to the wall, and (2) suggestion that lower limbs are principally concerned with supporting body weight.
REFERENCE: International Conference on Science and Technology in Climbing and Mountaineering, 1999, Leeds UK.
http://dk.mors.si/Dokument.php?id=42&lang=eng
Three dimensional analysis of rock climbing techniques
AUTHORS: Werner, Gebert, Kauer | Year: 1999
SUMMARY/RESULTS: Authors used video to analyze four climbers at the 1993 Innsbruck World Cup who were exiting a roof section of a climb. Authors conclude that it may be important to hold one’s center of gravity near to the wall and keep constant velocity in raising one’s center of gravity.
REFERENCE: International Conference on Science and Technology in Climbing and Mountaineering, 1999, Leeds UK.
http://dk.mors.si/Dokument.php?id=36