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

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this 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 health in generally healthy adults aged 18-35 years old who do not exercise. Participants will learn to rock climb using ropes on an indoor rock climbing wall and participate in the training program 2-3 days per week for 60 minutes each session over 12 weeks. Health outcomes will be measured at 4 time points over the course of the study (pre-intervention, 6-weeks/mid-intervention, 12-weeks/post-intervention, and 24-weeks post-intervention).

Research Team

Megan C Nelson, PhD

Principal Investigator

Northern Michigan University

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+