Adaptive Rock Climbing for Limb Malformation

Overseen By Abigail Padilla

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Disqualifiers: Age, Language, Parental age

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

20 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a 12-week adaptive rock-climbing program can enhance both physical and emotional well-being for children with congenital upper limb differences. Researchers aim to determine if climbing aids in daily tasks and improves confidence and social skills. They also examine potential barriers to participation in adaptive sports. Children aged 6-16 with limb differences who speak English or Spanish may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for children to engage in a supportive environment while potentially improving their quality of life.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this adaptive rock climbing program is safe for children with congenital upper limb differences?

Research has shown that adaptive rock climbing is generally safe for children with birth-related upper limb differences. Studies have found that these programs can enhance movement and flexibility in both the affected and unaffected arms. Participants often experience physical, social, and emotional benefits without major side effects.

One study discovered that children who participated in adaptive rock climbing felt an improved quality of life, although their balance remained unchanged. Overall, this activity is considered low-risk and well-tolerated, making it a promising way to boost physical and mental well-being in children with limb differences. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for limb malformation, which often involve surgery or prosthetic devices, the Adaptive Rock Climbing program offers a unique, non-invasive approach. This method focuses on improving strength, coordination, and confidence through guided physical activity, which could enhance overall limb function more naturally. Researchers are excited about the program because it not only potentially improves physical outcomes but also boosts mental health by fostering a sense of achievement and community among participants.

What evidence suggests that adaptive rock climbing is effective for children with limb malformation?

Research has shown that adaptive rock climbing programs, which participants in this trial will engage in, can benefit children born with differences in their upper limbs. Studies have found that these programs may enhance the function and movement of both affected and unaffected limbs. Additionally, adaptive climbing is considered safe and may boost overall well-being. Evidence also indicates that adaptive rock climbing can increase confidence in one's ability to succeed for people with different abilities. Overall, these findings suggest that adaptive rock climbing could effectively improve both physical and mental health in children with limb differences. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Nina Lightdale, MD

Principal Investigator

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children with congenital upper limb differences who are interested in participating in a 12-week adaptive rock climbing program. The eligibility criteria details are not provided, so it's unclear who exactly can or cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 6-16 years old with a congenital arm disorder.

I am a parent and I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

I am either younger than 6 or older than 16 years old.

My parents are under 18 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete a 12-week adaptive rock climbing program to assess functional and psychosocial outcomes

12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in muscle testing, range of motion, and psychosocial outcomes

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Adaptive Rock Climbing Program

Trial Overview The study is testing the effects of a 12-week adaptive rock climbing program on children with limb malformations. It aims to measure how this activity affects their physical abilities and mental well-being.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Adaptive Rock Climbing Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials

257

Recruited

5,075,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Young adults with upper limb reduction deficiency feel that current rehabilitation care does not adequately address their needs related to education, employment, and obtaining a driver's license, as they often lack awareness of available resources.

Participants suggested that rehabilitation care should include more relevant information, peer support, and dedicated training programs to help them prepare for job-related tasks and boost their confidence, as periodic appointments alone are not sufficient.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Opinions on rehabilitation care of young adults with transversal upper limb reduction deficiency in their transition to adulthood. Huurneman, KAM., Lankhorst, IMF., Baars, ECT., et al.[2021]

The article emphasizes the importance of achieving optimal upper limb function in children with congenital hand malformations, highlighting the need for professionals to guide families on surgical and rehabilitative options.

It critically evaluates existing literature on functional outcomes for these children, addressing the challenges in defining and measuring what optimal function means in this specific patient population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Functional evaluation in children with congenital upper extremity malformations. Ho, ES., Clarke, HM.[2005]

Upper limb malformations are the most common skeletal abnormalities found in patients with congenital heart disease, indicating a significant association between these two conditions.

Recognizing these limb malformations can help healthcare providers identify potential cardiac issues, guiding diagnostic and treatment decisions, as well as informing genetic counseling for affected families.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Upper limb malformations associated with congenital heart disease. Lin, AE., Perloff, JK.[2019]

A study of 175 individuals with upper limb deficiency (ULD) found that 57% participated in sports for at least 60 minutes per week, indicating a significant level of engagement in physical activity among this group.

Factors influencing sports participation included the presence of additional health problems, which negatively impacted participation, while prior sports involvement and education level positively influenced engagement in sports.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sports participation of individuals with major upper limb deficiency. Bragaru, M., Dekker, R., Dijkstra, PU., et al.[2015]

Advancements in prosthetic design and technology, along with increased opportunities, provide significant facilitators for children with lower-limb absence to participate in sports and physical activities.

However, barriers such as prosthesis failure, stigma, and high costs continue to hinder many children from engaging in these activities, highlighting the need for ongoing support and solutions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Facilitators and barriers for participation in sports and physical activity for children with lower-limb absence: A systematic review. Batley, A., Sewell, P., Dyer, B.[2023]

Citations

1. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/387474361_Evaluating_the_effects_of_adaptive_therapeutic_climbing_on_the_strength_and_well-being_of_patients_with_upper_limb_differences_A_pilot_study

Evaluating the effects of adaptive therapeutic climbing on ... Conclusion: Adaptive TC programs are likely impactful and safe for children with CULD and may improve function and flexibility of affected and unaffected limbs.

2. wmpllc.org wmpllc.org/ojs/index.php/ajrt/article/view/3762

Evaluating the effects of adaptive therapeutic climbing on ... Adaptive TC programs are likely impactful and safe for children with CULD and may improve function and flexibility of affected and unaffected limbs.

3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30870058/

Outcomes following an adaptive rock climbing program in a ... Purpose: The purpose of this case report was to document outcomes following a rock climbing program for an individual with an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) ...

4. research.chop.edu research.chop.edu/cornerstone-blog/a-limb-it-less-adventure-researching-rock-climbing-as-an-adaptive-therapy

'A Limb-it-less Adventure': Researching Rock Climbing as ... Researchers are studying the long-term effect of adaptive rock climbing on the overall quality of life of children with upper limb ...

5. repository.stanbridge.edu repository.stanbridge.edu/133/1/MSOTOC012.11.pdf

climbing for all abilities: an occupational therapy-based This study found that after an indoor rock climbing program, individuals with IDD reported increased self-efficacy; this finding is valuable in promoting ...

6. research.va.gov research.va.gov/currents/0520-Adaptive-rock-climbing-has-physical-and-psychological-benefits-for-people-with-disabilities.cfm

Adaptive rock climbing has physical, psychological benefits ... A new study finds that indoor rock climbing appears to offer a “unique array” of physical, social, and psychological benefits for people with disabilities.