Spinal range of motion and plantar pressure in sport climbers

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the range of motion (ROM) of lumbar and thoracic articulations and static and dynamic plantar pressure in sport climbing athletes. Methods: The sample included 30 sport climbers with a minimum of 2 years training experience and 30 physical education students who served as an active untrained control. ROM was assessed by a Saunders digital inclinometer; plantar pressure by a baropodometric platform. Results: Mean spinal ROMs were greater in the sport climbers with the exception of extension, rotation, and lateral thoracic flexion, with a high degree of statistical significance obtained in the majority of the analyzed ROMs. The climbers exhibited increased mean forefoot pressure (smaller rearfoot pressure) in both the dominant and non-dominant extremities, with significant intergroup differences found in dominant forefoot/rearfoot pressure distribution. Conclusions: Sport climbers present increased lumbar and thoracic ROM, and the characteristics of climbing may also affect transverse arch structure and plantar pressure distribution.