R D McHenry1, G P Arnold1, W Wang1, R J Abboud2. 1. Institute of Motion Analysis & Research (IMAR), Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, University of Dundee, TORT Centre, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK. 2. Institute of Motion Analysis & Research (IMAR), Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, University of Dundee, TORT Centre, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK. Electronic address: r.j.abboud@dundee.ac.uk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Many rock climbers wear ill-fitting and excessively tight footwear during activity. However, there is insufficient evidence of the extent or harms of this practice. OBJECTIVES: To investigate footwear use in rock climbers with a focus on issues surrounding fit. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with active rock climbers of over one year of experience completing a survey on their activity and footwear. Additionally, the authors quantified foot and shoe lengths and sizes alongside demographic data. RESULTS: Ill-fitting and excessively tight footwear was found in 55 out of 56 rock climbers. Foot pain during activity was also commonplace in 91% of the climbers. A mean size reduction of almost 4 UK shoe sizes was found between the climbers' street shoe size and that of their climbing footwear using a calibrated foot/shoe ruler. There is an unfortunate association of climbers of higher abilities seeking a tighter shoe fit (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: With the elucidation of footwear use amongst rock climbers, further investigation may aim to quantify its impact and seek a solution balancing climbing performance while mitigating foot injury.
BACKGROUND: Many rock climbers wear ill-fitting and excessively tight footwear during activity. However, there is insufficient evidence of the extent or harms of this practice. OBJECTIVES: To investigate footwear use in rock climbers with a focus on issues surrounding fit. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with active rock climbers of over one year of experience completing a survey on their activity and footwear. Additionally, the authors quantified foot and shoe lengths and sizes alongside demographic data. RESULTS: Ill-fitting and excessively tight footwear was found in 55 out of 56 rock climbers. Foot pain during activity was also commonplace in 91% of the climbers. A mean size reduction of almost 4 UK shoe sizes was found between the climbers' street shoe size and that of their climbing footwear using a calibrated foot/shoe ruler. There is an unfortunate association of climbers of higher abilities seeking a tighter shoe fit (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: With the elucidation of footwear use amongst rock climbers, further investigation may aim to quantify its impact and seek a solution balancing climbing performance while mitigating foot injury.
Authors: Paula Cobos-Moreno; Álvaro Astasio-Picado; Beatriz Gómez-Martín Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-04-03 Impact factor: 3.390