Exploring the role of the rock climbing Treadwall as a novel therapy tool in physical rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Rock climbing offers numerous health benefits, but accessibility and safety concerns limit its therapeutic use, especially for individuals with disabilities. No prior studies have explored the potential benefits of integrating the Treadwall, a rotating climbing wall with improved accessibility and safety, into rehabilitation protocols.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of implementing a Treadwall climbing intervention as a novel therapy tool for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Additionally, we seek to explore potential functional benefits derived from the Treadwall intervention.

Design: This prospective, observational, single-site study assessed Treadwall training in a cohort of children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy while attending a 3-week intensive therapy program.

Setting: The study was conducted at the BECOME Program in Children's Specialized Hospital, Mountainside, NJ.

Participants: A total of 10 participants, aged 4 to 9 years, diagnosed with hemiparesis, were enrolled, with nine completing the intervention.

Interventions: The intervention involved 15 10-minute climbing sessions during the 3-week intensive therapy program. Participants' climbing distance, intensity, and active mobility rate were recorded.

Main outcome measure(s): Primary outcome measures included climbing distance, intensity, and active mobility rate. Secondary measures, the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) and Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function, were collected to assess upper limb function.

Results: The study demonstrated significant improvements in distance climbed (p < .01), intensity (p < .05), and active mobility rate (p < .05). Participants showed enhanced upper limb function, indicated by improved AHA and Melbourne Assessment scores (p < .01). Qualitative therapist reports showed positive feedback regarding the Treadwall's potential benefits.

Conclusions: The study supports the feasibility and safety of using the rock climbing Treadwall as a novel therapy tool for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The intervention showed promising results in improving climbing skills, motor learning, and coordination. Future investigations should explore dosing and long-term outcomes to fully assess the Treadwall's therapeutic potential.

FIGURE 1

The Treadwall Max4 by Brewer Fitness used in this study features traditional hand and foot holds, as well as ladder rungs.

FIGURE 2

Changes in means of (A) distance climbed; and (B) active mobility rate, intensity, active climbing time, and time on wall outcomes in nine children with CP who participated in a 3‐week therapy program that included the Treadwall system. Values represent estimated marginal means per time point along with SE bars and 95% confidence intervals. CP, cerebral palsy.

FIGURE 3

Changes in means of Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function, and the Assisting Hand Assessment in nine children with CP who participated in a 3‐week therapy program that included the Treadwall system. AHA, Assisting Hand Assessment; CP, cerebral palsy.