CHANGES IN ENERGY INTAKE AND MACRONUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF EXPERIENCED MOUNTAINEERS DEPENDENT ON CLIMBING DIFFICULTY

R. B. Densley, D. A. DeFrang, & J. T. Peterson, FACSM Linfield College, McMinnville, OR PURPOSE: This study assessed changes in energy intake and macronutrient composition before, during, and after an alpine climb compared to climbing difficulty ratings in experienced mountaineers. METHODS: Nine male (age 56 ± 12 years, height 175 ± 8 cm, and weight 76.7 ± 8.6 kg) participants from the Mazamas ( a mountaineering club in Portland, Oregon) were given diet diaries with specific instructions to report each individual alpine route, length of trip, elevation gained, length of time for the trip, route difficulty (based on the Mazamas’ rating system), and weather. Climbers were then asked to report all energy and water intake the day prior to, days when climbing, and the day following each climb. Diaries were recorded from April to October of 2011. Nutritional data was input and analyzed with Food Processer© software. Variables were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with climbing difficulty as a between subjects factor (p \u3c 0.05). RESULTS: Dietary data was recorded for a total of 38 climbs. The average and range of total calorie and macronutrient break down for all climbs was: Total kcal: 3023.67 ± 917.17 (1164.98-4804.20), protein kcal: 447.25 ± 231.88 (83.52-1257.36), carbohydrate kcal: 1589.97 ± 575.71 (58.04- 2877.36) kcals, and fat kcal: 980.61 ± 413.14 (160.92-2289.65). The percentages of protein, fat and carbohydrate were 14.56, 53.52 and 31.96% respectively. Climbers consumed more calories from protein on the day before and after compared to the day(s) during the climb, regardless of climb difficulty (p \u3c 0.05). Interestingly, as the climbs were rated harder, the percentage of protein intake on the day(s) during the climb was significantly decreased compared to climbs rated less difficult (p \u3c 0.05). CONCLUSION: This data provides an example of the macronutrient breakdown of experienced mountaineers during a variety of climbs. The calories consumed remained similar regardless of climb difficulty. The macronutrient composition was also similar across climb difficulty ratings with the exception of protein which is consistent with our expectations. The consistent caloric intake with relatively little changes in macronutrient composition over a variety of climbs suggests that experienced climbers are consuming similar foods regardless of climb difficulty or duration, which may impact performance and recovery

CHANGES IN ENERGY INTAKE AND MACRONUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF EXPERIENCED MOUNTAINEERS DEPENDENT ON CLIMBING DIFFICULTY

R. B. Densley, D. A. DeFrang, & J. T. Peterson, FACSM Linfield College, McMinnville, OR PURPOSE: This study assessed changes in energy intake and macronutrient composition before, during, and after an alpine climb compared to climbing difficulty ratings in experienced mountaineers. METHODS: Nine male (age 56 ± 12 years, height 175 ± 8 cm, and weight 76.7 ± 8.6 kg) participants from the Mazamas ( a mountaineering club in Portland, Oregon) were given diet diaries with specific instructions to report each individual alpine route, length of trip, elevation gained, length of time for the trip, route difficulty (based on the Mazamas’ rating system), and weather. Climbers were then asked to report all energy and water intake the day prior to, days when climbing, and the day following each climb. Diaries were recorded from April to October of 2011. Nutritional data was input and analyzed with Food Processer© software. Variables were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with climbing difficulty as a between subjects factor (p \u3c 0.05). RESULTS: Dietary data was recorded for a total of 38 climbs. The average and range of total calorie and macronutrient break down for all climbs was: Total kcal: 3023.67 ± 917.17 (1164.98-4804.20), protein kcal: 447.25 ± 231.88 (83.52-1257.36), carbohydrate kcal: 1589.97 ± 575.71 (58.04- 2877.36) kcals, and fat kcal: 980.61 ± 413.14 (160.92-2289.65). The percentages of protein, fat and carbohydrate were 14.56, 53.52 and 31.96% respectively. Climbers consumed more calories from protein on the day before and after compared to the day(s) during the climb, regardless of climb difficulty (p \u3c 0.05). Interestingly, as the climbs were rated harder, the percentage of protein intake on the day(s) during the climb was significantly decreased compared to climbs rated less difficult (p \u3c 0.05). CONCLUSION: This data provides an example of the macronutrient breakdown of experienced mountaineers during a variety of climbs. The calories consumed remained similar regardless of climb difficulty. The macronutrient composition was also similar across climb difficulty ratings with the exception of protein which is consistent with our expectations. The consistent caloric intake with relatively little changes in macronutrient composition over a variety of climbs suggests that experienced climbers are consuming similar foods regardless of climb difficulty or duration, which may impact performance and recovery

FITNESS NORMS FOR THE PLANK EXERCISE

K. A.Chase, C. E. Brigham, J. T. Peterson FACSM & S. C. Coste Linfield College, McMinnville, OR PURPOSE: Adequate strength of core musculature is critical for optimal physical performance and postural control. Currently, standards for core musculature strength and stability have not been established. This study sought to determine normative fitness measurements of core musculature endurance using the plank exercise. METHODS: 102 collegiate male and female participants (18-25 years of age, self-described athletes) were recruited. Participants were instructed in plank positioning; elbows bent at 90° directly below the shoulders, hands unclasped, feet placed hip width apart with ankles at 90° and pelvis tilted in the neutral position. After a 5 min warm-up, participants were told to maintain the plank position as long as possible until complete fatigue was reached. The test was terminated if proper form was broken. The total time held in proper plank position was recorded. RESULTS: The mean time held in the plank position was 106.15 ± 49.52 and 117.66 ± 53.49 seconds for females and males, respectively. For females, quartiles showed that the 25th percentile was 73.5 seconds, the 50th percentile was 95 seconds, while the 75th percentile was 122.5 seconds. Quartiles for males were 84 seconds, 110 seconds and 135 seconds for the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides normative values for the plank exercise that can be added to current fitness appraisal protocols to assess core muscular endurance. These data suggest that 1.58 min in females and 1.83 min in males (50th percentile values) could be considered average duration of the plank exercise for this age group. Future testing to include other age groups and levels of fitness will be undertaken to broaden the range of normative values available for fitness testing