Indoor rock climbing program to improve health in inactive young adults

Climbing Lifestyle Intervention for Modifying Physical Activity Behaviors (CLIMB): Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional Northern Michigan University · NCT06368128

This study is testing whether a 12-week indoor rock climbing program can help inactive young adults improve their heart health, mental well-being, and overall fitness.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthern Michigan University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Marquette, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT06368128 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to assess the effects of a 12-week indoor rock climbing training program on heart health, mental health, and behavioral changes in generally healthy adults aged 18-35 who are physically inactive. Participants will engage in supervised rock climbing sessions 2-3 times a week, focusing on improving cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and overall quality of life. Health outcomes will be evaluated at multiple time points throughout the study to measure changes in physical fitness and health-related quality of life. The findings will inform future larger-scale studies on the impact of climbing as a physical activity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are physically inactive adults aged 18-35 with no prior experience in rock climbing.

Not a fit: Patients who are physically active or have experience with rock climbing may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the physical and mental well-being of inactive young adults, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on indoor rock climbing's effects on cardiovascular health, similar physical activity interventions have shown positive outcomes in improving health metrics.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Physically inactive
* Membership to Physical Education Instructional Facility at Northern Michigan University
* No/very little experience with rock climbing
* No diagnosed cardiovascular, metabolic, renal disease
* No current injury

Exclusion Criteria:

* Physically active
* Experience with rock climbing
* No current membership with Physical Education Instructional Facility at Northern Michigan University
* Pregnant and/or breastfeeding
* Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, renal disease
* Current or previous injury that would be exacerbated by rock climbing
* Other diagnosed conditions in which rock climbing would be contraindicated

Where this trial is running

Marquette, Michigan

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 Lifestyle FactorsPhysical InactivityQuality of LifeRock ClimbingCardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
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.