This study evaluated the effects of 6 weeks of stair climbing training by measuring energymetabolism during uphill walking on a running treadmill and muscle output characteristicsbefore （Pre） and after （Post） the start of training. Five healthy male and female universitystudents [two males and three females, age 21.8±0.2 years, height 167.4±3.5 cm, weight 62.8±3.3 kg, BMI 18.7±0.8 kg/（m）2] familiar with daily sports activities, ascended and descendedstairs three days a week for six weeks using the stairs of a five-story building. Uphill walkingwas performed on a running treadmill with a 10% incline fixed at a speed of 4.1 km/h, and5-minute uphill walks were continuously performed with a stretcher weight change,interspersed with 2-minute standing rests. The stretcher weight was set at 10% of the bodyweight （BW） in stage 1, 20% in stage 2, and 30% in stage 3. HR, RPE, and expiratory gasvariables were measured during uphill walking, and blood lactate concentration wasmeasured at the standing rest after each stage. At the end of stage 3, isometric knee extension force was measured, and the number of squats to exhaustion by 30% of thestretcher’s BW was recorded. The results showed a significant decrease or decreasing trendin heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, oxygen uptake, and carbon dioxide excretion inPost. Blood lactate levels in Post were also significantly lower after stages 2 and 3. Isometricknee extension was significantly higher in Post, and the number of squats to exhaustion wasalso significantly higher in Post. These results suggest that stair climbing training reducesthe relative exercise intensity of uphill walking, improves thigh muscle strength andendurance, and is effective for safe mountain climbing.
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