Survey-Based Study on Recovery Period Differences in Upper Extremity Injuries Among Indoor Climbers by Treatment Method

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18-50
SponsorSahmyook University

About this trial

This study aims to investigate the differences in recovery periods of upper extremity injuries among indoor climbers according to their treatment methods.

The research focuses on comparing the recovery duration, specifically the time to return to climbing, between those who received professional physical therapy and those who relied on self-treatment or other conservative management.

Additionally, this survey-based observational study seeks to explore how individual and training-related factors - such as warm-up duration, climbing frequency, and years of experience - affect the occurrence and recurrence of upper extremity injuries.

Participants will complete an online questionnaire consisting of demographic data, climbing habits, injury characteristics, treatment methods, and recovery outcomes.

The data will be collected anonymously and analyzed to determine whether the type of treatment correlates with faster recovery or reduced reinjury risk.

The findings are expected to provide foundational evidence for developing effective rehabilitation and injury-prevention strategies for indoor climbers, and to guide clinicians and trainers in selecting appropriate treatment approaches for upper extremity injuries.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Adults aged 18-50 years.

Individuals who have participated in indoor climbing within the past 12 months.

Individuals who have experienced an upper extremity injury (e.g., finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder; tendonitis, ligament injury, muscle tear) during indoor climbing within the past 12 months.

Individuals who received any form of treatment (self-care, physical therapy, injection, surgery, rehabilitation exercise) for the injury.

Disqualifiers

Individuals who underwent major orthopedic surgery or fracture-related surgery unrelated to climbing.

Individuals who required hospitalization or long-term inpatient treatment (>3 months) due to severe musculoskeletal conditions.

Individuals currently receiving ongoing treatment for the same injury.

Individuals with neurological, systemic, or medical conditions that significantly affect musculoskeletal recovery.

Trial population

This study will include indoor climbers aged 18 to 50 who experienced an upper extremity injury related to climbing within the past 12 months and received any form of treatment. Participants will be recruited from climbing communities, gyms, and online platforms. Only non-professional climbers will be included to ensure generalizability to the general indoor climbing population.

Trial design

Design model

Cohort

Time perspective

Cross-sectional

Treatments tested in this trial

Not listed

Trial groups

300 Participants
are grouped into 4 trial groups
Group A: Self-Treatment Group
Group B: Physical Therapy Group
Group C: Injection Therapy Group
Group D: Surgery/Rehabilitation Group

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Mean Recovery Duration (Weeks) According to Treatment Type

The average number of weeks required for indoor climbers to achieve full recovery and return to climbing after upper extremity injury, compared across treatment types (self-care, physical therapy, injection, surgery/rehabilitation).

Time frame
12 months (retrospective survey)

Secondary outcomes

1

Reinjury Rate Within 12 Months

Proportion of indoor climbers who experienced a recurrent upper-extremity injury in the same anatomical region within the past 12 months.

Time frame
12 months
2

Pain Resolution Duration (Weeks)

Number of weeks required for complete pain resolution after upper-extremity injury, based on participant recall.

Time frame
12 months (retrospective survey)
3

Return-to-Climbing Criteria (Self-Reported)

Self-reported criteria participants used to determine readiness to resume climbing after upper-extremity injury (e.g., full pain resolution, daily activity tolerance, strength recovery).

Time frame
12 months

Other outcomes

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

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