Impact of muscle imbalance on climbing injuries

Effect of Muscular Imbalance Between Flexors and Extensors of the Fingers and Wrist on Upper Limb Injuries in Climbers, a Longitudinal Study.

University Hospital, Rouen · NCT06361654

This study looks at how muscle imbalances in the fingers and wrists of climbers might lead to injuries over a year of training.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment47 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Rouen (other)
Locations1 site (Rouen, Normandie)
Trial IDNCT06361654 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between muscular imbalances in the fingers and wrists of climbers and the occurrence of upper limb injuries. It focuses on club-licensed climbers who will undergo strength measurements of their finger and wrist flexors and extensors using a dynamometer. Data will be collected before the climbers continue their regular training for one year, with follow-up assessments to monitor injury occurrences. The study aims to better understand how these imbalances contribute to injuries in climbers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are climbers who have been members of a climbing club for at least one year and have a climbing level of 6a 'on sight' or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with a medically diagnosed upper limb injury at the time of testing or any pathology preventing climbing will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved injury prevention strategies for climbers.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on similar studies, the focus on muscular imbalance in climbers is a relatively novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* A male or female climber who has been a member of a climbing club for at least 1 year;
* Have a level of 6a "on sight" or higher;
* Fluent in spoken and written French;
* Over 18 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Declaration of a medically diagnosed upper limb injury at the time of testing;
* Presence of any pathology that prevents climbing or taking finger or wrist measurements;
* Volunteers for whom it is impossible to collect data by telephone.

Where this trial is running

Rouen, Normandie

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Climber

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.