Is Climbing A Classical Overhead Sport? A Cross-Sectional Study On Upper Extremity Injuries In Indoor Bouldering

Is Climbing A Classical Overhead Sport? A Cross-Sectional Study On Upper Extremity Injuries In Indoor Bouldering

Lucas Augusto Pepe Mena, MD, BRAZIL Leonardo Zanesco, Md, BRAZIL Jorge Assunção, PHD, BRAZIL Caio Checchia, MD, BRAZIL Mauro Emilio Conforto Gracitelli, PhD, BRAZIL Eduardo Angeli Malavolta, MD, BRAZIL

Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BRAZIL


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Diagnosis / Condition

Anatomic Location

Diagnosis Method


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.


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.