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Dual-task performance during a climbing traverse

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Abstract

High-angle climbing is a physically and cognitively challenging activity. Whilst researchers have examined the physiological demands of climbing, the cognitive demands have been relatively neglected. In this experiment, we examined the performance of climbers when required to perform a dual climbing and word memory task, relative to single-task performance (word memory or climbing alone). Whilst there was no significant decrease in climbing distance during the dual-task condition, climbing efficiency was impaired, as was word recall. Participants’ Energetic Arousal, Tense Arousal and Task-unrelated Thoughts (TUTs) all changed dependent on the condition, with arousal increasing after the climbing conditions, and TUTs decreasing after the memory-load conditions. These results could be expanded on in future research to examine the physical and cognitive demands of high-angle climbing in greater detail.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr. Nick Draper from the University of Canterbury for his input and suggestions, and Kelvin Eder from the University of Canterbury Recreation Centre for use of the climbing facility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand

    Alexander L. Green & William S. Helton

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  1. Alexander L. Green
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  2. William S. Helton
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Correspondence to William S. Helton.

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Green, A.L., Helton, W.S. Dual-task performance during a climbing traverse. Exp Brain Res 215, 307–313 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-011-2898-2

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