Injuries associated with climbing
a questionnaire study
Background: During the last decade climbing has become more popular and the numbers of climbers in Sweden have increased considerably. Most common are overuse injuries caused by the great stress and strain climbing creates on different parts of the body. Previous studies show that 75-90% of climbing injuries are localised in the upper extremity. Injuries affecting the lower extremity occur often acute and traumatic. Based on these facts and that the number of climbers constantly grows, it is more likely that the need of care from physiotherapist among climbers will increase. Purpose: The aim for this study was to determine the frequency of injuries related to climbing in Sweden. Method: A retrospective, quantitative survey using a web questionnaire for data collection. The questionnaire was distributed through the internet forums of six Swedish climbing clubs and one internet community. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests when differences between groups were eminent. Result: A total of 165 climbers responded and of them were 12% women and 87% men. In total, 117 (71%) climbers reported overuse injuries and 110 (67%) climbers reported acute injuries. The most common locations of the injuries were middlefinger and ringfinger, elbow, shoulder and foot. Bouldering were the type of climbing which caused most injuries, both overuse and acute. Significant differences were found regarding locations of injuries between sexes. Another significant difference could be seen between age groups and overuse injuries and experience. Differences could also be seen between acute injuries and the capacity of the climber. Conclusion: The prevalence of overuse injuries and acute injuries is high among Swedish climbers. Women have significant more overuse injuries in the lower extremity and in the trunk. The risk for acute injuries increases when the climbers have more experience of climbing or a greater capacity level. The type of climbing which cause most injuries is bouldering. Because of the many injuries in climbing the role of the physiotherapist is important. The physioterapist can diagnose and treat climbing injuries and help climbers to prevent overuse injures through advices about stretching, warm up and muscular imbalance.