2025 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster
Is Climbing A Classical Overhead Sport? A Cross-Sectional Study On Upper Extremity Injuries In Indoor Bouldering
Lucas Augusto Pepe Mena, MD, Sao Paulo BRAZIL
Leonardo Zanesco, Md, Sao Paulo BRAZIL
Jorge Assunção, PHD, São Paulo, SP BRAZIL
Caio Checchia, MD, São Paulo BRAZIL
Mauro Emilio Conforto Gracitelli, PhD, São Paulo, SP BRAZIL
Eduardo Angeli Malavolta, MD, São Paulo, SP BRAZIL
Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BRAZIL
FDA Status Not Applicable
Summary
Dynamic movements in indoor bouldering significantly increase the risk of upper extremity injuries, challenging the traditional view of climbing as a classical overhead sport and highlighting the need for targeted injury prevention strategies and specialized rehabilitation.
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Abstract
Objectives:
To describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with upper extremity injuries among indoor bouldering practitioners, focusing on dynamic movements and specific training methods.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study with 35 indoor bouldering climbers from a metropolitan area. Data were collected through an adapted online questionnaire and in-person orthopedic evaluations by certified specialists. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 18, calculating prevalence ratios and associations between dynamic movements and specific injuries.
Results
The sample was predominantly male (80%), with a mean age of 25.9 years. Shoulder anterior apprehension was significantly associated with dynamic climbing styles (p = 0.028), with a prevalence of 35.7% among dynamic climbers. Finger pulley and shoulder injuries affected 22.9% and 25.7% of participants.
Conclusions
Our study found a significant association between dynamic movements and upper extremity injuries in bouldering climbers, highlighting the pressing need for injury prevention strategies and personalized rehabilitation approaches. Despite climbing being an overhead sport, it presents a distinct pathophysiology from the thrower’s shoulder, necessitating further investigation.