Abstract
Introduction
An estimated 4.6 million Americans participated in rock climbing in 2013. Although injuries are common among rock climbers, the conditions for which they seek medical attention are largely unknown.
Objective
The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in the cause—acute or overuse—and severity of injuries evaluated by a physician compared with injuries that are not. We also intend to describe the prevalence, type, and anatomical location of injuries sustained by rock climbers.
Methods
A retrospective, cross-sectional, anonymous survey was distributed at popular outdoor climbing locations in North America. Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were used to describe the study sample and identify factors associated with medical treatment.
Results
Of 192 people, 70.8% reported at least 1 injury in the previous 2 years. Injuries from acute events (69.8%) were more common than those from overuse (35.3%). Strenuous moves caused most acute injuries (69.5%), followed by falls (27.4%). The most commonly injured body part was the finger (38.2%), followed by the shoulder (15.4%). A physician evaluated 41.9% of all injuries. Although the injuries evaluated by a physician were more severe (P < .0001), there was no significant difference in the cause of the injury, either acute or overuse.
Conclusions
The findings suggest injury severity, rather than cause, appears to be the main determinant in the decision to seek professional care. Although acute trauma is the more common cause of injuries, a large proportion of all climbing-related injuries are associated with overuse. As overuse and chronic injuries are often overlooked in the literature, our findings that many overuse injuries are serious enough to require medical attention suggest a need for further inquiry into the risk factors and behaviors associated with these injuries.