Abstract
Previous research suggested plasma cortisol concentrations in response to rock climbing
have a cubic relationship with state anxiety and self-confidence. This research, however,
was conducted in a situation where the climbers had previously climbed the route.
The purpose of our study was to examine this relationship in response to on-sight
climbing. Nineteen (13 male, 6 female) intermediate climbers volunteered to attend
anthropometric and baseline testing sessions, prior to an on-sight ascent (lead climb
or top-rope) of the test climb (grade 19 Ewbank/6a sport/5.10b YDS). Data recorded
included state anxiety, self-confidence and cortisol concentrations prior to completing
the climb. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in state anxiety,
self-confidence and plasma cortisol concentration regardless of the style of ascent
(lead climb or top-rope) in an on-sight sport climbing context. Regression analysis
indicated there was a significant linear relationship between plasma cortisol concentrations
and self-confidence (r= − 0.52, R2=0.267, p=0.024), cognitive (r=0.5, R2=0.253, p=0.028), and somatic anxieties (r=0.46, R2=0.210, p=0.049). In an on-sight condition the relationships between plasma cortisol
concentrations with anxiety (cognitive and somatic) and self-confidence were linear.
Key words
rock climbing - plasma cortisol concentration - psychophysiology - lead climbing -
top-roping
