Effect of changes in blood lactate levels and stress indices on performance in sports climbing athletes following 10 weeks of circuit weight training and traditional weight training

This study examined the effects of circuit weight training (CWT) and traditional weight training on changes in blood lactate levels and stress indices and determined their impact on performance enhancement in sports climbing athletes specializing in speed and lead events. Thirty male sports climbing athletes were randomly assigned to the circuit weight-training group (n=15) or traditional weight-training group (n=15). Each training program was conducted for 60 min per session, 3 times/wk, for 30 sessions over 10 weeks. CWT was performed at an intensity of 40%-55% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with maximum repetitions for 30 sec. Traditional weight training was performed at an intensity of 70%-80% of 1RM with 8-10 repetitions. Both training protocols consisted of 3 sets, with rest intervals of 60 and 120 sec between sets for CWT and traditional weight training, respectively. Blood lactate and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels significantly decreased in the circuit weight-training group. Norepinephrine and α-amylase levels decreased in both groups, without significant differences between groups regarding the degree of change posttraining. Regarding performance changes posttraining, unlike speed records, lead records significantly differed between groups, with greater improvements in the circuit weight-training group. Changes in blood lactate affected lead records, whereas changes in stress indices influenced both speed and lead records. However, effects of these changes did not significantly differ between groups. Applying exercise programs tailored to sports climbing athletes according to specific events may contribute to improved performance by reducing blood lactate levels and stress indices, ultimately achieving better competition outcomes.