Rock climbing does not increase risk of osteoarthritis

© Blackwell Publishing
A study in the US has found there is no greater risk of osteoarthritis in rock climbers compared to non climbers, contrary to previous theory.

The study, published in the November issue of Journal of Anatomy, examined osteological changes in the hands and fingers of rock climbers that result from intense, long-term mechanical stress placed on these bones. Specifically, whether rock climbing leads to increased cortical bone thickness and joint changes associated with osteoarthritis. Researchers also wanted to identify whether climbing intensity and frequency of different styles of climbing influence changes.

Adam Sylvester of the University of Tennessee explains: “Radiographs of both hands were taken for each participant and were scored for radiographic signs of osteoarthritis using an atlas method. We compared 27 recreational rock climbers and 35 non-climbers for four measures of bone strength and dimensions and osteoarthritis. The results suggest that climbers are not at an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis compared with non-climbers.

Climber's finger and hand bones are, however, greater in cross-sectional area and total width, indicating that additional bone is being deposited on the external surface, not usually seen in adults. The strength of the finger and hand bones are correlated with styles of climbing that emphasize athletic difficulty. Significant predictors include the highest levels achieved in bouldering and sport climbing.”

The research paper can be read online at the Journal of Anatomy


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31 Oct, 2006
Dont bother clicking the link to the journal of anatomy unless you want to learn a whole new language. BTW the first link ion the news page is dead If I read that correctly? the bones get stronger but what about the joints? what happens there? they still wear out through above average loadings?
31 Oct, 2006
Is there evidence to sugges the bones have grown, rather than that the top climbers had thicker bones inthe first place?
31 Oct, 2006
If that were true then the more you climb the heavier you would get despite taking care to keep weight down wherever possible. Damn
31 Oct, 2006
Try telling that to my fingers -- and I'm not a particularly hard or regular climber. I wonder over what age ranges and duration of climbers careers the study took place? As soon as I do anything remotely crimpy, the joints are in pain for days afterwards. It puts a stop to any regular climbing or training. Glucosamine appears to help - but not significantly. A family history of arthritis is probably the main cause. Climbing merely aggravates the condition.
31 Oct, 2006
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