Injury Rates, Mechanisms, and Risk Factors For Injury in Youth Rock Climbers

Date
2013-07-17
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Abstract
Objective: To examine the incidence, mechanisms, and risk factors for injury in 11- to 19-year-old recreational and elite sport climbers and boulderers. Methods: Cross-sectional study design. Participants were recruited from climbing facilities across Alberta, Canada, and 116 youths completed an anonymous questionnaire. Primary Outcome Measure: Climbing injury Results: The incidence rate of climbing injury was 4.44 injuries/1000 climbing hours (95% CI; 3.74, 5.23). Sprains and strains were the predominant injury type, and the primary mechanism of injury was repetitive overuse. Hands and fingers were the most commonly injured locations. Older age (15–19-year-olds), injury in a sport other than climbing, and preventive taping were shown to be risk factors for injury. Conclusions: Climbing injury incidence rates are high in youth climbers. Findings are consistent with reported rates and details surrounding injury in adults. Modifiable potential risk factors warrant further investigation in order to inform development of future injury prevention strategies.
Description
Keywords
Recreation, Epidemiology, Public Health, Recreation
Citation
Woollings, K. (2013). Injury Rates, Mechanisms, and Risk Factors For Injury in Youth Rock Climbers (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/26534