[Injuries and overuse syndromes due to rock climbing on artificial walls]

The purpose of this study was to obtain an overview of acute injuries and chronic overuse syndromes due to rock climbing on artificial climbing walls. Strategies for prevention should then be developed based on these experiences. From October 1995 to December 1996 314 climbers of both sexes and all degrees of climbing abilities were individually interviewed at five different indoor climbing arenas with the help of a special questionnaire. Type, quantity and cause of typical injuries and overuse syndromes on artificial climbing walls were determined. Injuries (n = 204) as well as overuse syndromes (n = 266) increased with the performance level. Experienced climbers often suffered from injuries to the finger flexor tendons (n = 42) and the finger flexor pulleys (n = 37) while holding small grips. Beginners sustained skin injuries (n = 26) and joint distortions (n = 22) of the lower limb while falling. Reasons are a lack of experience in the techniques of belaying and falling as well as incomplete covering of the ground with crash mats. Chronic overuse syndromes mainly presented as swelling and pain in the finger joints (n = 140) and as epicondylitis in the elbow (n = 30). Especially knee problems (n = 12) were caused by new climbing techniques used on artificial climbing walls. Referring to injuries as well as to overuse syndromes climbing on artificial climbing walls is a very safe sport, compared to climbing on natural rock. Further prevention could be provided by a well-based instruction of beginners, especially in techniques of belaying and falling. The ground of climbing walls should always be completely covered by sufficient crash mats. More experienced climbers should minimize harmful climbing techniques, like using very small holds with a cling grip, long distance reaches and inside rotation of the leg under pressure.