FatigueNCT06830655
Functional and Performance Determinants in Climbers: Examining the Role of Mobility, Stability, and Fatigue Across Proficiency Levels
A study testing Fatigue Protocol in people with Fatigue and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, run by Medical University of Gdansk at 2 sites in Poland.
Trial summary
The primary objective is to understand how motor skills and fatigue affect climbing performance in indoor and outdoor climbers, also comparing elite and amateur climbers. Aims: Assess differences in selected joint range of motion, isometric strength, and dynamic stability between elite and intermediate climbers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 15 to 45 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Fatigue, Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, Climbing Injuries
- What is being tested?
- Fatigue Protocol
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesPoland
- Study dates
- 20 Feb 2025to Feb 2029
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 15 to 45 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- primary sport discipline - climbing (bouldering/lead rock or other)
- Healthy (without injury, pain, or symptoms) at the time of the study
- Participation in climbing training (minimum 3 months)
Who cannot join
- pain or other symptoms related during study
- rheumatological disease
- neurological disease or balance disorders
- orthopaedic disease
- genetic disease
- cardiovascular system disease
Show all 11Show fewer
- surgeries of upper and lower limb in the last year
- surgeries of spine in the last year
- a primary sport other than climbing.
- taking medications that may affect balance.
- use of orthopedic supplies during the study
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Poland2 sites
Department of Immunobiology and Environment Microbiology, Medical University of Gdańsk
Gdansk, Gdańsk, 80-211
Department of Immunobiology and Environment Microbiology, Medical University of Gdańsk
Gdansk, 80-211
About this study
The primary objective is to understand how motor skills and fatigue affect climbing performance in indoor and outdoor climbers, also comparing elite and amateur climbers.
Aims:
Read more
- Assess differences in selected joint range of motion, isometric strength, and dynamic stability between elite and intermediate climbers.
- Evaluate the impact of the fatigue protocol on functional performance and cognitive outcomes across climbers of varying skill levels (intermediate vs. advanced).
- Examine the impact of general joint hypermobility, as indicated by Beighton Scores, on functional climbing performance.
- Association between cognitive factors (e.g., attention, memory) and motor skills.
Research questions:
- Do elite climbers have better joint mobility and balance than amateur climbers?
- How does fatigue affect performance and reaction time and cognitive function?
- Does having flexible joints (joint hypermobility) make climbers better athletes
- What are the performance differences between indoor and outdoor climbers?
This study will help identify key skills and physical traits that improve climbing performance. It will also explore how fatigue and flexibility impact safety and performance in different climbing environments.
Read the detailed description
Detailed Description
This study investigates the functional and performance determinants in indoor and outdoor climbers, focusing on mobility, stability, fatigue, and skill level. The protocol will compare elite and intermediate climbers through various physical and cognitive assessments conducted before and after a climbing-specific fatigue protocol. The goal is to identify key biomechanical, physiological, and cognitive factors that influence climbing performance and fatigue resistance in both climbing environments.
- Being tested
- Fatigue Protocol
- Keywords
- Bouldering, Sports Performance Assessment, Climbing-Specific Performance, Hand Grip Strength, Indoor Climbing, Outdoor Climbing
- Medical subject headings
- Fatigue
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Fatigue ProtocolOther
After the warm-up, each participant will be assigned the easiest route of their skill level on the "Kilter Board" with a 15-degree wall incline. Participants will start the route from the initial holds and finish it with the need to touch the top hold with both hands. They will be instructed to climb as quickly and smoothly as possible. After reaching the last hold, they will descend along the same route to the initial holds without touching the ground. The procedure will be repeated until the participant reports fatigue that prevents further climbing. Any stoppage by the participant during the protocol will not be allowed to last longer than 5 seconds, will be recorded, and categorized as either isometric contraction or rest time, depending on the nature of the stoppage, which will be established during records analyzing.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Climbers | Experimental | Pre- and post-intervention assessment of the fatigue protocol. Receives: Other: Fatigue Protocol |
| Amateur Climbers | Experimental | Pre- and post-intervention assessment of the fatigue protocol. Receives: Other: Fatigue Protocol |
| Indoor Climbers | Experimental | Pre- and post-intervention assessment of the fatigue protocol. Receives: Other: Fatigue Protocol |
| Outdoor Climbers | Experimental | Pre- and post-intervention assessment of the fatigue protocol. Receives: Other: Fatigue Protocol |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Dynamic Balance (Y-Balance Test) Lower and Upper Quarter
The test will be performed for both the lower and upper body. For the lower body, the participant will begin by standing with one foot on the center foot plate. While maintaining a single-leg stance, the participant will reach with the free leg in one of three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) three times, then repeat the process with the opposite leg. The procedure will then be repeated for the remaining directions. The maximal reach distance in each direction will be measured and included in the analysis. For the upper body, the participant will begin by up position of a push up. While maintaining a single-arm push up, the participant will reach with the free arm in on of three directions (medial, inferolateral and superolateral) "cm". Test will be assesed before and after fatigue protocol.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
ISOMETRIC STRENGTH TEST - Shoulder Internal and External Rotation
Isometric strength assessments of shoulder internal and external rotations will be conducted using the Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer (HHD). Participants will be positioned appropriately, in prone and then supine with the shoulder abducted to 90 degrees. The dynamometer will be placed just proximal to the wrist. Participants will be instructed to exert maximal force against the device for a specified duration, 5 seconds. This process will be repeated for multiple trials to ensure consistent and reliable measurements. The Lafayette HHD will provide objective data on muscle strength, facilitating the evaluation and monitoring of participant progress throughout the study. Results will be expressed in newtons (N) or normalized to body weight as newtons per kilogram (N/kg).
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
ISOMETRIC STRENGTH TEST - Pinching
Pinching a dynamometer. The participant will be seated with the elbow fully extended and the shoulder positioned at 0° flexion. The task will involve exerting maximum force, with separate trials performed for the dominant and non-dominant hand. The dynamometer will be held between the thumb and fingers to measure the force generated, with results recorded in units of force. The emphasis will be on achieving maximum effort to ensure reliable and consistent results. In "kg"
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Secondary outcomes (8)
RANGE OF MOTION (Shoulder Internal and External Rotation)
The participant will lie in a supine position with the shoulder positioned at 90° of abduction and aligned with the plane of the glenoid. Researcher 1 will palpate the coracoid process while passively moving the humerus into internal rotation. Researcher will apply the HALO digital goniometer ((Halo, Halo Medical Devices, Subiaco, Western Australia) to the proximal part of the forearm. The measurement will be taken at the point when movement of the coracoid process is first detected, indicating the limit of passive glenohumeral internal rotation and the onset of scapular motion. The angle of rotation will be measured in degrees.Shoulder External Rotation: The participant will lie in a supine position with the shoulder positioned at 90° of abduction and aligned with the plane of the glenoid.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
RANGE OF MOTION (Passive Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (Gastrocnemius muscle flexibility test)
The participant will lie in a supine position with the knee straight and the ankle joint positioned off the table. Researcher 1 will test the maximum dorsiflexion of the foot while controlling the position of the knee. Researcher 2 will apply the HALO digital goniometer (Halo, Halo Medical Devices, Subiaco, Western Australia) to the outer edge of the foot. The angle of dorsiflexion will be measured in degrees.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Active Ankle Dorsiflexion range of motion (The Weight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT))
Participants were positioned facing a wall, with the test foot placed at a predetermined distance. The knee was advanced toward the wall until it lightly contacted the surface, ensuring the heel remained in contact with the ground. The distance between the big toe and the wall was adjusted to determine the participant's maximum dorsiflexion range, which was subsequently recorded as the measured distance from the big toe to the wall (cm).
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Hypermobility - Beighton score
The test consisted of the abduction of the thumb to the forearm, the knee hyperextension above 10 degrees, the extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint in the 5th finger above 90 degrees, the elbow hyperextension above 10 degrees, and the placing flat hands on the floor. Each positive test scored 1 point.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Climbing specific foot rise
The participant will stand on both footholds with feet placed hip-width apart, and hands gripping the rung at shoulder-width apart. The rung will be set at the participant's head height, rounded to the nearest 5 cm. The participant will raise one foot as high as possible along the scale, with the leg either straight or slightly flexed at the knee. The test will be performed in two variations: with rotation, where natural rotation of the shoulders and hips is allowed, and without rotation, where the shoulders and hips must remain parallel to the wall. The height of the foot rise will be measured in centimeters.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Hand-eye response time test
A-Champs ROX Pro (A-Champs Interactive Training Solutions, S.L., Spain) system will be used to measure hand-eye response time. Each participant will perform the test three times with both their dominant and non-dominant hand with the best time recorded as the participant's response time in milliseconds. Four discs will be positioned on the floor and arranged in a square formation, spaced 1.5 meters apart. Participants will lie in a prone position at a distance that allows them to comfortably reach all discs based on their arm length. Participants will be instructed to deactivate each illuminated disc as quickly as possible by tapping it with the hand being tested. The test will run for 30 seconds, with discs lighting up in a random order and will automatically end after the 30-second test period.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Power slap
The participant will hang from a designated rung with arms fully extended above the head, knees bent and feet positioned behind the body. The participant will use open finger grip, with the thumb permitted to rest on the rung. The task will involve performing an explosive pull-up without momentum, releasing the dominant hand to slap as high as possible. The result of the test, measured as the height of the slap, will be recorded in centimeters.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Finger hang test
The participant will grip a designated rung with arms fully extended and shoulders aligned to their natural width. Feet must remain off the ground throughout the test. The participant will use open finger grip, with the thumb permitted to rest on the rung. The researcher will closely monitor the participant's grip, ensuring proper starting and hanging posture. Endurance time will be recorded in seconds using a stopwatch, starting from the initiation of the hang and stopping when grip failure occurs. To maintain consistency across participants, only one trial will be conducted per individual.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Feb 2025
- Study start20 Feb 2025
- Primary completionFeb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionFeb 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for FatigueStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Medical University of GdanskThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Diagnosis
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of Gdansk
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Bartosz Wilczyński, Medical University of Gdansk
- Investigators
- Bartosz Wilczyński, PhD, Principal investigator, Medical University of GdanskMateusz Nowosad, Principal investigator, Medical University of Gdansk
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06830655
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NKB/530/2024
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 31 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 7 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Functional and Performance Determinants in Climbers: Examining the Role of Mobility, Stability, and Fatigue Across Proficiency Levels
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06830655
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NKB/530/2024
- Keywords
- Bouldering, Sports Performance Assessment, Climbing-Specific Performance, Hand Grip Strength, Indoor Climbing, Outdoor Climbing
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of GdanskUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Feb 2029 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The primary objective is to understand how motor skills and fatigue affect climbing performance in indoor and outdoor climbers, also comparing elite and amateur climbers.
Aims:
- Assess differences in selected joint range of motion, isometric strength, and dynamic stability between elite and intermediate climbers.
- Evaluate the impact of the fatigue protocol on functional performance and cognitive outcomes across climbers of varying skill levels (intermediate vs. advanced).
- Examine the impact of general joint hypermobility, as indicated by Beighton Scores, on functional climbing performance.
- Association between cognitive factors (e.g., attention, memory) and motor skills.
Research questions:
- Do elite climbers have better joint mobility and balance than amateur climbers?
- How does fatigue affect performance and reaction time and cognitive function?
- Does having flexible joints (joint hypermobility) make climbers better athletes
- What are the performance differences between indoor and outdoor climbers?
This study will help identify key skills and physical traits that improve climbing performance. It will also explore how fatigue and flexibility impact safety and performance in different climbing environments.
Detailed description
Detailed Description
This study investigates the functional and performance determinants in indoor and outdoor climbers, focusing on mobility, stability, fatigue, and skill level. The protocol will compare elite and intermediate climbers through various physical and cognitive assessments conducted before and after a climbing-specific fatigue protocol. The goal is to identify key biomechanical, physiological, and cognitive factors that influence climbing performance and fatigue resistance in both climbing environments.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Diagnosis
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Climbers | Experimental | Other: Fatigue ProtocolPre- and post-intervention assessment of the fatigue protocol. |
| Amateur Climbers | Experimental | Other: Fatigue ProtocolPre- and post-intervention assessment of the fatigue protocol. |
| Indoor Climbers | Experimental | Other: Fatigue ProtocolPre- and post-intervention assessment of the fatigue protocol. |
| Outdoor Climbers | Experimental | Other: Fatigue ProtocolPre- and post-intervention assessment of the fatigue protocol. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 15 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- primary sport discipline - climbing (bouldering/lead rock or other)
- Healthy (without injury, pain, or symptoms) at the time of the study
- Participation in climbing training (minimum 3 months)
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- pain or other symptoms related during study
- rheumatological disease
- neurological disease or balance disorders
- orthopaedic disease
- genetic disease
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Fatigue ProtocolAfter the warm-up, each participant will be assigned the easiest route of their skill level on the "Kilter Board" with a 15-degree wall incline. Participants will start the route from the initial holds and finish it with the need to touch the top hold with both hands. They will be instructed to climb as quickly and smoothly as possible. After reaching the last hold, they will descend along the same route to the initial holds without touching the ground. The procedure will be repeated until the participant reports fatigue that prevents further climbing. Any stoppage by the participant during the protocol will not be allowed to last longer than 5 seconds, will be recorded, and categorized as either isometric contraction or rest time, depending on the nature of the stoppage, which will be established during records analyzing. | Other | Amateur Climbers, Indoor Climbers, Outdoor Climbers, Professional Climbers |
Primary outcome
Dynamic Balance (Y-Balance Test) Lower and Upper Quarter
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
The test will be performed for both the lower and upper body. For the lower body, the participant will begin by standing with one foot on the center foot plate. While maintaining a single-leg stance, the participant will reach with the free leg in one of three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) three times, then repeat the process with the opposite leg. The procedure will then be repeated for the remaining directions. The maximal reach distance in each direction will be measured and included in the analysis. For the upper body, the participant will begin by up position of a push up. While maintaining a single-arm push up, the participant will reach with the free arm in on of three directions (medial, inferolateral and superolateral) "cm". Test will be assesed before and after fatigue protocol.
ISOMETRIC STRENGTH TEST - Shoulder Internal and External Rotation
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Isometric strength assessments of shoulder internal and external rotations will be conducted using the Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer (HHD). Participants will be positioned appropriately, in prone and then supine with the shoulder abducted to 90 degrees. The dynamometer will be placed just proximal to the wrist. Participants will be instructed to exert maximal force against the device for a specified duration, 5 seconds. This process will be repeated for multiple trials to ensure consistent and reliable measurements. The Lafayette HHD will provide objective data on muscle strength, facilitating the evaluation and monitoring of participant progress throughout the study. Results will be expressed in newtons (N) or normalized to body weight as newtons per kilogram (N/kg).
ISOMETRIC STRENGTH TEST - Pinching
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Pinching a dynamometer. The participant will be seated with the elbow fully extended and the shoulder positioned at 0° flexion. The task will involve exerting maximum force, with separate trials performed for the dominant and non-dominant hand. The dynamometer will be held between the thumb and fingers to measure the force generated, with results recorded in units of force. The emphasis will be on achieving maximum effort to ensure reliable and consistent results. In "kg"
8 secondary outcomes
RANGE OF MOTION (Shoulder Internal and External Rotation)
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
RANGE OF MOTION (Passive Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (Gastrocnemius muscle flexibility test)
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Active Ankle Dorsiflexion range of motion (The Weight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT))
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Hypermobility - Beighton score
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Climbing specific foot rise
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Hand-eye response time test
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Power slap
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Finger hang test
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 May 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Bartosz Wilczyński, PhD principal investigator
Medical University of Gdansk
Mateusz Nowosad principal investigator
Medical University of Gdansk
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Fatigue Protocol in people with Fatigue and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, run by Medical University of Gdansk at 2 sites in Poland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Dynamic Balance (Y-Balance Test) Lower and Upper Quarter (time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 May 2026.