Objective: The current study examines the effectiveness and feasibility of sport climbing in PD patients in a single-centre, randomised controlled, semi-blind trial.

Background: Physical activity is of prime importance in non-pharmacological Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment.

Method: The current study examines the effectiveness and feasibility of sport climbing in PD patients in a single-centre, randomised controlled, semi-blind trial. A total of 48 PD patients without experience in climbing (average age 64 ±8 years, Hoehn & Yahr stage 2-3) was assigned to either participate in a 12-week sport climbing course (SC) or to attend an unsupervised physical training group (UT). The primary outcome was the improvement of symptoms on the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III (MDS-UPDRS-III).

Results: Sport climbing was associated with a significant reduction of the MDS-UPDRS-III (-12.9 points; 95% CI -15.9 to -9.8), while no significant improvement was to be found in the UT (-3.0 points; 95% CI -6.0 to 0.1). Bradykinesia, rigidity and tremor subscales significantly improved in SC, but not in the unsupervised control group. In terms of feasibility the study showed a 99% adherence of participants to climbing sessions and a drop-out rate of only 4%. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusion: This trial provides class III evidence that sport climbing is highly effective and feasible in mild to moderately affected PD patients.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/climb-up-head-up-effectiveness-and-feasibility-of-sport-climbing-in-parkinsons-disease/