Kaiser A1, Orlowski V1, Jain T1
1Northern Arizona University, Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Flagstaff, United States
Background: Rock climbing has become increasingly popular in the past 60 years. With the advent and popularity of rock climbing gyms, the sport has become accessible to virtually anyone, anywhere. In addition, the introduction of climbing to the Olympics in 2020 signals that the growth of the sport will not likely cease in the near future. With an increase in participation in the sport will come an increase in sport-related injuries. Despite the health benefits of rock climbing, both indoors and outside, there is a high prevalence of upper extremity injuries reported by climbers. It is currently unclear whether current beliefs and available evidence on injury prevention are inadequate, underutilized, incorrectly implemented, or unavailable to the rock climbing population. It is also unclear how climbers' interest in and access to healthcare affects their use of healthcare for sport-related injury. A better knowledge of climber's practices and beliefs, as well as posture toward healthcare, may lead to more effective injury prevention and treatment.
Purpose: To describe the beliefs, opinions, and practices of rock climbers regarding injury prevention and management, as well as healthcare for climbing-related injuries.
Methods: Links to an online survey were posted on the webpages of several indoor rock climbing gyms, outdoor stores, and on the social media pages of several individuals within the recreational rock climbing community. The survey consisted of 26-33 questions and was designed to gather information about each participant's demographics, rock climbing experience and injury history, prevention and management practices and beliefs, and perception of and interest in healthcare services for climbing-related injuries.
Results: 131 rock climbers responded to the survey. 26 responses were discarded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the remaining 105 participants (66 men, 39 women), approximately 75% have been climbing >5 years and over 90% have climbed at an intermediate, advanced or expert level. Of the 105 participants, 70% of the participants climbed regularly (2-6 days/week for 10-12 months/year). Approximately, 90% of the participants had a climbing related injury; 30% of those were suffering from a current injury. About 70% of the survey participants took time off from rock climbing on a regular basis because of an injury, and 40% of those attributed it to a recurring condition. Of these individuals, all but 2 participants believed in taking preventative measures for preventing climbing related injuries. Responses to questions about injury prevention and management practices showed a wide variety, indicating areas where more research can be targeted.
Conclusion(s): Rock climbers believe that injuries from rock climbing can be prevented, however, many people have experienced upper extremity injuries, a large portion of which become recurring.
Implications: Knowing what rock climbers believe, how that translates to action, and which practices are or aren't beneficial can contribute to the development of better educational strategies for prevention and management of the common rock climbing related injuries. A better understanding of the rock climber's psyche and communal knowledge can help clinicians best treat these impairments, minimizing chronic and/or recurring injuries.
Keywords: Recreational sports, prevention, qualitative research
Funding acknowledgements: This work was unfunded.
Purpose: To describe the beliefs, opinions, and practices of rock climbers regarding injury prevention and management, as well as healthcare for climbing-related injuries.
Methods: Links to an online survey were posted on the webpages of several indoor rock climbing gyms, outdoor stores, and on the social media pages of several individuals within the recreational rock climbing community. The survey consisted of 26-33 questions and was designed to gather information about each participant's demographics, rock climbing experience and injury history, prevention and management practices and beliefs, and perception of and interest in healthcare services for climbing-related injuries.
Results: 131 rock climbers responded to the survey. 26 responses were discarded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the remaining 105 participants (66 men, 39 women), approximately 75% have been climbing >5 years and over 90% have climbed at an intermediate, advanced or expert level. Of the 105 participants, 70% of the participants climbed regularly (2-6 days/week for 10-12 months/year). Approximately, 90% of the participants had a climbing related injury; 30% of those were suffering from a current injury. About 70% of the survey participants took time off from rock climbing on a regular basis because of an injury, and 40% of those attributed it to a recurring condition. Of these individuals, all but 2 participants believed in taking preventative measures for preventing climbing related injuries. Responses to questions about injury prevention and management practices showed a wide variety, indicating areas where more research can be targeted.
Conclusion(s): Rock climbers believe that injuries from rock climbing can be prevented, however, many people have experienced upper extremity injuries, a large portion of which become recurring.
Implications: Knowing what rock climbers believe, how that translates to action, and which practices are or aren't beneficial can contribute to the development of better educational strategies for prevention and management of the common rock climbing related injuries. A better understanding of the rock climber's psyche and communal knowledge can help clinicians best treat these impairments, minimizing chronic and/or recurring injuries.
Keywords: Recreational sports, prevention, qualitative research
Funding acknowledgements: This work was unfunded.
Topic: Sport & sports injuries; Musculoskeletal
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: Northern Arizona University
Ethics committee: Institutional Review Board
Ethics number: 1303619
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
