Scaling new heights: a pilot study of the impact of climbing on balance, agility, and dexterity in individuals with Parkinson’s disease

Julie Ries; Molly Cupka; Andrew Guccione

doi:10.33393/aop.2025.3339

Authors

Julie Ries College of Health and Education, School of Health Professions, Program in Physical Therapy, Marymount University, Arlington County, Virginia - United States of America and Marymount University Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University, Arlington County, Virginia - United States of America https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8577-9479
Molly Cupka SportRock Climbing Centers, Alexandria, Virginia - United States of America https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1747-5947
Andrew Guccione George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia - United States of America https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1238-3585

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33393/aop.2025.3339

Keywords:

motor learning, physical activity, Parkinson’s disease, rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: Exercise benefits individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Rock climbing includes exercise characteristics from clinical guidelines (e.g., aerobic, resistance, balance training, cued-movements, community-based) and offers unique somatosensory and visuospatial experiences that may aid motor learning. This study examined climbing’s effects on PD physical function.
Methods: This quasi-experimental observational pilot study used pre-to-post-test comparisons to assess participants with mild to moderate PD (Hoehn and Yahr 1-3) who walked independently. The intervention included 12 weeks of community-based, twice-weekly top-rope climbing under one-on-one supervision, tailored to skill level. Wall angles, hand/foot holds, and routes varied and became progressively more difficult as skills increased. The primary outcome was the Community Balance & Mobility Scale (CBMS); secondary measures included the Agility T-Test (ATT), 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), upper extremity reaction time using BlazePods (UE-React), and grip strength.
Results: 28 participants completed the study: 8 women/20 men; mean age = 66.1 (sd = 7.4) years; average disease duration = 4.0 (sd = 3.6) years. Paired t-tests comparing pre- and post-test scores and effect sizes (ES) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for significant results using Hedge’s g. Findings were: CBMS (p < 0.001; ES = 0.573, 95% CI = 0.178-0.960), ATT (p < 0.001; ES = 0.462, 95% CI = 0.078-0.838), 9HPT (p < 0.001; ES = 0.480, 95% CI = 0.094-0.858), UE-React (p <0.001; ES = 0.329, 95% CI = −0.045-0.696); GS changes were non-significant.
Conclusions: Rock climbing demonstrated medium-size effects on mobility/balance and small-size effects on agility and dexterity that could impact functioning in everyday activities.

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