Examining mental health and eating disorders in climbers

CLIMB: Climbers' Longitudinal Attitudes to Injuries, Mental Health and Body Image

Observational Göteborg University · NCT05587270

This study looks at how mental health, eating disorders, and bone health are affected in elite and sub-elite climbers over two years to see if they differ from non-climbers.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment366 (estimated)
Ages13 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGöteborg University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Göteborg, Västergötaland)
Trial IDNCT05587270 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the prevalence and changes in eating disorder symptoms, mental health issues, overuse injuries, and bone health among elite and sub-elite climbers over a two-year period, with potential follow-up extending to five years. Participants will complete web-based surveys and undergo DXA scans to evaluate bone density. The study will compare climbers to a control group and analyze differences based on gender and competition level. The research seeks to understand the impact of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) on these athletes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include male and female climbers aged over 13 who meet specific climbing performance criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously participated at an elite level in any sport may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of mental health and eating disorders in climbers, ultimately enhancing athlete well-being.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored mental health and eating disorders in athletes, this specific focus on climbers and the prevalence of these issues is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age over 13

Specific inclusion criteria for the study group:

* Men: completed a boulder route rated harder than 6b or a lead route rated 7a+ within the last three months.
* Women: completed a boulder route rated harder than 6a or a lead route rated 6c within the last year.

Exclusion Criteria for the study group:

\* None

Exclusion criteria for the control group:

\* Previous or current participation on elite level in any sport.

Where this trial is running

Göteborg, Västergötaland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mental Health IssueMusculoskeletal PainEating DisordersRelative Energy Deficiency in SportDepressionAnxietyStressPain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.