Rock Climbing for Sedentary Lifestyle

(CLIMB Trial)

Overseen By Lisa Eckert, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northern Michigan University

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Renal, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 12 weeks

12 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a 12-week indoor rock climbing program can improve heart health, mental well-being, and lifestyle habits in generally healthy adults who don't exercise. Participants will climb on an indoor wall with ropes for 60 minutes, 2-3 times a week. This program suits those who are currently inactive and have little to no rock climbing experience. The trial will compare participants in the climbing program to those maintaining their usual routines to determine if climbing makes a difference. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their health and well-being through an innovative exercise program.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on generally healthy adults without certain diagnosed conditions.

What prior data suggests that this indoor rock climbing exercise training program is safe?

Research has shown that indoor rock climbing is generally safe and manageable. Studies have found that young adults who climb experience significant benefits, such as stronger core and grip muscles. This indicates that climbing is both effective and accessible for participants.

Experts believe therapeutic climbing safely encourages physical activity for many people. While the focus often lies on its health benefits, the safety record is reassuring. The reviewed studies report no major serious injuries, suggesting that climbing is a safe exercise choice.

In summary, indoor rock climbing is considered a safe and beneficial activity for improving physical health, making it a promising option for those interested in joining a clinical trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the indoor rock climbing exercise training program for addressing a sedentary lifestyle because it offers a dynamic, engaging alternative to traditional exercise routines like walking or cycling. Unlike conventional options, rock climbing provides a full-body workout that combines strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular benefits in one activity. Additionally, it introduces an element of fun and challenge that can boost motivation and adherence, potentially leading to more sustained lifestyle changes. This unique combination of physical and mental engagement is what sets it apart from other exercise interventions for sedentary behavior.

What evidence suggests that indoor rock climbing is effective for improving heart, mental, and behavioral health in sedentary adults?

Research shows that indoor rock climbing can greatly improve health. In earlier studies, young adults with low activity levels gained noticeable core and grip strength after just eight weeks of climbing. Other research suggests that rock climbing can increase handgrip strength, leg power, and overall fitness. Climbing is also linked to better heart health, improved mental well-being, and positive behavior changes. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will engage in a 12-week progressive, supervised indoor rock climbing training program, designed to boost overall health for those who usually don't exercise. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Megan C Nelson, PhD

Principal Investigator

Northern Michigan University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This pilot study is for generally healthy adults aged 18-35 who lead a sedentary lifestyle and do not currently exercise. The goal is to see how a 12-week indoor rock climbing program affects their heart health, mental well-being, and activity levels.

Inclusion Criteria

No current injury

Membership to Physical Education Instructional Facility at Northern Michigan University

I do not have heart, metabolic, or kidney diseases.

Exclusion Criteria

Experience with rock climbing

I have an injury that could worsen by rock climbing.

Physically active

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 12-week indoor rock climbing training program, progressively increasing from 2 to 3 sessions per week

12 weeks

2-3 sessions per week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with health outcomes measured at 24 weeks post-intervention

12 weeks

1 visit (in-person) at 24 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Indoor Rock Climbing Exercise Training Program

Trial Overview The trial tests the impact of an indoor rock climbing exercise training program on participants' physical and mental health. They will climb with ropes for an hour per session, 2-3 times a week over three months, with health outcomes measured at four intervals.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in the intervention arm will be asked to partake in a 12-week progressive, supervised, indoor rock climbing training program.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in the control arm will be asked to maintain their current lifestyle behaviors.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northern Michigan University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

5

Recruited

410+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6277736/

Effects of Rock Climbing Exercise on Physical Fitness ... Significant improvements in core strength and trunk mobility, as well as grip strength, have been found in sedentary young adults after 8 wk of indoor climbing ...

2. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/15d0c8eaf61e59fe/climbing-lifestyle-intervention

Climbing Lifestyle Intervention for Modifying Physical Activity ... The aim of this pilot study is to determine the effects of a 12-week indoor rock climbing training program on heart health, mental health, and behavioral ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-lifestyle-factors-3-2024-aaec4

Rock Climbing for Sedentary Lifestyle (CLIMB Trial) The aim of this pilot study is to determine the effects of a 12-week indoor rock climbing training program on heart health, mental health, and behavioral ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/329489076_Effects_of_Rock_Climbing_Exercise_on_Physical_Fitness_among_College_Students_A_Review_Article_and_Meta-analysis

Effects of Rock Climbing Exercise on Physical Fitness ... Results: Rock climbing can significantly improve Handgrip strength, Lower limb pedaling power, Vertical Jump,. Push-Ups, Pull-Ups, Sit-Ups and ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016517812030593X

Affective responses to climbing exercises in children and ... The aim of the present study was to compare acute effects of a climbing intervention (CI) on affective responses with a different exercise intervention.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12551847/

Effects of therapeutic climbing in healthcare and ... We assume that TC is a safe and effective tool for supporting diverse populations in the practice of physical activity for health purposes [6].

7. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/393693350_ROCK_CLIMBING_AS_A_HEALTH-PROMOTING_ACTIVITY_BENEFITS_AND_RISKS_ACROSS_POPULATIONS

rock climbing as a health-promoting activity: benefits and ... Current evidence indicates that climbing can enhance muscular strength, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition, especially among youth and young adults.