Utilization of trekking-sticks in mountaineering an inquiry

Utilization of trekking-sticks in mountaineering – an inquiry in the Watzmann-region Christin Miecke (born Verseck) and Hans-Volkhart Ulmer Institute of sports science, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany 4 th international Symposium: “High altitude influence on human performance: science and praxis” – Bohinjska Bela (Slovenia) Sept. 8 -13, 2009 1 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions INTRODUCTION Since many centuries men often have used one stick for walking, e. g. traveling journeymen and mountaineers, too. 2 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions „Errichtung des Führerkreuzes auf der Mittelspitze des Watzmann“ am 18. Juni 1893 Aus: Illustrierte Zeitung, Nr. 2611, 15. Juli 1893, S. 73 3 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Reinhold MESSNER was one of the first introducing two sticks, since 1975 G. NEUREUTHER wrote in 1981 in the Münchner medizinische Wochenschrift (513 -514) about: „Der Skistock im Sommer“ 4 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Today: No ski-sticks, but also: No walking sticks for mountaineering Trekking sticks are recommended, as telescope sticks. Difference? Handgrip and strap! 5 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Compare handgrip and strap Trekking-stick (LEKI LENHART, 2008) Nordic-walking-stick (LEKI LENHART, 2008) With thanks for Copyright to Leki Lenhart Gmb. H, D-73230 Kirchheim _______________________________ 6 MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Today as typical equipment for mountaineers: Two special trekking-sticks Obviously with – advantages (e. g. for the joints) and – disadvantages (e. g. accidents) 7 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Actually discussed advantages – biomechanical discharge of joints, – support of leg muscels for lifting body weight Both typical arguments – but also better balance, better coordination? or only ritual or fashion? 8 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Recommendation for climbers in mountains: – lift body weight by legs and not by arms – raeson: prevention of prematutre exhaustion – use arms for equilibrium 9 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions AIM Therefore we are interested on – the history about using two sticks – the frequency of today use of these sticks and – the reasons why mountaineers use these sticks or not 10 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions METHODS 112 subjects were asked, 6 refused, 106 (95% of 112) were interviewed with a special manual: – 60 mountaineers in the Watzmann-house (1930 m) and – 46 mountain walkers in the valley (Wimbachschloss, 937 m) with acceptable accordance in age, sex distribution and experience 11 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions RESULTS, part 1 (given answers): Use of two sticks: Altogether 77 subjects (73 %) used two sticks a distinct increase since 2002 for walking up- and downhill, rarely in the plane 58 participants (≈ 75 % of 77) used telescopesticks 12 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Watzmannhaus (60 subjects) 42 of 60 (70 %) Mountaineers used 2 sticks 86 % always with trekking sticks in the mountains, 81 % used telescope-sticks Wimbachschloss (46 subjects) 35 of 46 (76 %) Mountain walkers used 2 sticks 74 % always with trekking sticks in the mountains, 69 % used telescope-sticks 13 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Use of two sticks, “YES” Watzmannhaus (42 mountaineers) Uphill: 41≈98 % xxxxx xxxxx x In the plane: 17≈40 % xxxxx xx Downhill: 41≈98 % xxxxx xxxxx x Wimbachschloss (35 mountain walkers) Uphill: 35≈100 % xxxxx xxxxx In the plane: 10≈29 % xxxxx Downhill: 34≈97 % xxxxx xxxxx 14 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions RESULTS, part 2, free answers Main reasons for using sticks or not (Question: Why do you/don’t you use sticks? ) to use sticks: facilitation (walking uphill) and discharge of the knee-joints (walking downhill) not to use sticks: ”sticks are hindering” In detail (chart no. 15): 15 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Reasons to use sticks (all 76 subjects) Uphill (84 answers): Facilitation & support: 42 Discharge: 19 Stability & safety: 9 Other: 14 ||||| ||||| || ||||| ||||| |||| Downhill: (81 answers) Discharge: 46 ||||| ||||| ||||| | Stability & safety: 18 ||||| Other: 17 ||||| || 16 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions 29 Subjects not using sticks (27 % of all interviewed) mean age: 42 y 26 (90 %) always without trekking sticks in the mountains, 90 % never used two sticks in the past State of experience (similar to the other groups): 62 % 10 years or more mountaineering, 66 % thrice or more in the last year 17 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Reasons of 29 Subjects not using sticks Sticks hinder: 9 XXXXX No interest: 6 XXXXX X Not necessary: 6 XXXXX X Had problems: 4 XXXX Other: 4 XXXX 18 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions 2 of 6 given answers: 1) Using sticks – stabilize it the balance? 82 „yes“ of 106 answers (77 %) (users of sticks: 88 %, other: 48 %) 2) Accidents by using sticks? 78 „yes“ of 106 answers (74 %) (users of sticks: 73 %, other 76 %) 19 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions DISCUSSION A sample of 106 subjects with good state of experience Conclusion: sufficient validity of the results 20 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions 1. History about using two sticks Only since 1975 walking with two sticks was propagated Two sticks as ski-sticks and later trekking-sticks, more and more specialized for mountaineering In our group: with increasing success since 2002 and today mostly telescope sticks 21 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions 2. Frequency of today use of trekking sticks A great percentage of subjects used trekking sticks with a clear preference for walking up- and downhill and rarely in the plane 22 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions 3. Reasons why the mountaineers & mountain walkers used these sticks or not Both groups are of “true” behaviour: Those, who used sticks, used sticks nearly always and those, who did not use stick, did the same Obviously most of the “non-users” did never test to walk with trekking sticks 23 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Further reasons why mountaineers & mountain walkers used these sticks Free answers: 1 st rank: discharge of joints and facilitation/support With a distinct distance in the next rank: Stability & safety These answers reflect the typical propagated arguments 24 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions But, what did the subjects understand under the term support (“Entlastung”). 23 of 42 answers refer not to support of joints, but on “general support” This can be interpretated as biomechanical or metabolic support as well But could also include better balance, especially for going downhill 25 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions It might be typical in sports, that accidents by using sticks are only mentioned, if they are concrete asked Than 74 % of 106 said “yes” to possible accidents by using sticks, especially those, who used sticks (the risk of accidents than are neglected, however) 26 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions 4. Reasons why mountaineers did not use these sticks Sticks hinder & had problems were the answers of 13 (45 %) No interest and not necessary 12 (41%) So the risk of accidents seems to be not a relevant reason for the “non-users” 27 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions And the balance effect? If asked, 88 % of the users suggested a balance effect of sticks, the “non-users” suggested only to 48 % this effect. So experience underlines the balance effect of sticks, similar as in mountain climbing 28 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Trekking sticks: a ritual or fashion? – The arguments of the users – selective use only up- and downhill make it probable, that there are serious physiological and other raesons to use sticks. 29 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions – biomechanical discharge of joints and support of leg muscels for lifting body weight? – better balance, better coordination? – better psychic stabilization and so better coordination = better moving economy 30 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions – Compare the mass of leg and arm muscles: There cannot be a relevant support of leg muscles (in the 2005 symposium as estimation presented): 13 % of body weight The answers of the subjects („discharge“ etc. ) seem to reflect the typical arguments in literature and selling flyers 31 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions FINAL CONCLUSIONS The author favours still an essential balance effect with, similar as in mountain climbing – a better motion economy (metabolic effect) as well as – a psychologically stabilizing effect. In both cases: positiv metabolic effect 32 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions Trekking sticks: perhaps a little bit ritual or fashion, but: Serious physiological and psychological reasons exist to use these sticks 33 __________________________________ MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

The end, Additional annex-charts follow ______________________________ 34 MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions, annex Reasons to use sticks (mountaineers) Uphill: 47 answers from 41 subjects Facilitation: 21 xxxxx x Discharge legs: 10 xxxxx Discharge general: 9 xxxxx Other: 7 xxxxx xx Downhill: 46 answers from 41 subjects Discharge knee: 19 xxxxx Discharge joints: 7 xxxxx xx Discharge general: 6 xxxxx x Stability and safety: 6 xxxxx x Other: 8 xxxxx ______________________________ 35 MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions, annex Reasons to use sticks (mountain walkers) Uphill: 37 answers from 35 subjects Facilitation: 11 xxxxx x Support: 10 xxxxx Stability & safety: 9 xxxxx Other: 7 xxxxx xx Downhill: 35 answers from 35 subjects Stability & safety: 12 xxxxx xx Discharge knee: 8 xxxxx Discharge joints: 6 xxxxx x Other: 9 xxxxx ______________________________ 36 MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009

Introduction, aim, methods, results, discussion, final conclusions, annex Comparison of both groups: Watzmannhaus: 74 % (m), 26 % (f), mean age 40 y, Wimbachschloß: 57 % (m), 43 % (f), mean age 50 y, State of experience: Watzm. : 67 % 10 years or more mountaineering, 62 % thrice or more in the last year Wimbach. : 46 % 10 years ore mountaineering, 31 % thrice or more in the last year: ______________________________ 37 MIECKE & ULMER: Trekking sticks in mountaineering, 4 th Symposium: Altitude & praxis, 2009