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

A Survey-Based Study on Differences in Recovery Periods of Upper Extremity Injuries Among Indoor Climbers According to Treatment Methods

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.

This cross-sectional survey will recruit indoor climbers aged 18-50 who have experienced upper extremity injuries within the past 12 months.

The questionnaire includes sections on injury site and type (e.g., finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder; tendonitis, ligament injury, or muscle tear), treatment method (self-care, physical therapy, injection, surgery, or rehabilitation exercise), treatment duration, and perceived recovery status.

Statistical analysis will be performed to compare mean recovery periods among treatment groups and to examine correlations with demographic and behavioral factors.

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Sahmyook University (IRB No. 2025-06-034-002).

Results from this research may contribute to improved understanding of injury management and evidence-based rehabilitation for indoor climbers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 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.
• Individuals who can provide informed consent and complete an online questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 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.
• Climbing coaches, professional climbers, or clinicians providing treatment (to avoid expert bias).