Functional and morphological changes in shoulder girdle muscles after repeated climbing exercise

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Climbing is a demanding sport that places significant stress on the shoulder girdle.
• Understanding the acute effects of climbing on shoulder function and morphology is crucial for injury prevention and performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immediate and short-term effects of a repeated climbing exercise protocol on functional and morphological measures of the shoulder girdle in male indoor climbers.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen male indoor climbers (best grade 6a+) performed a standardized repeated climbing exercise protocol.
• Functional measures (range of motion, muscle strength) and morphological measures (muscle/tendon stiffness, thickness, acromiohumeral distance) were assessed at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and 1 hour post-exercise.

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in range of motion and muscle strength were observed immediately post-exercise, with partial recovery after 1 hour.
• Muscle and tendon stiffness increased immediately post-exercise, returning towards baseline levels after 1 hour.
• Supraspinatus tendon and muscle thickness increased, while acromiohumeral distance decreased immediately post-exercise, with partial reversal after 1 hour.

Conclusions:

• Acute climbing exercise induces significant, rapid changes in shoulder joint biomechanics and tissue morphology.
• These alterations, particularly increased tendon thickness and reduced acromiohumeral distance, may represent early signs of overuse or impingement syndrome in climbers.