Evaluating climbing interventions for Parkinson's disease

A systematic review

Bibliographic Data

ID13130433
AuthorsRyan A Smith (0000-0002-6220-1807, Oklahoma State Department of Health, corresponding author), Allison Anne Hellman (Syracuse University)
Year2026
Volume8
Pages1695888-1695888
Publication date2026-03-13
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367
PublisherFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fspor.2026.1695888
PMID41908213
OpenAlexW7135098526
LanguageEN
References cited81

Five articles representing three studies and 102 distinct participants with PD met these criteria. The risk of bias was evaluated using the 20-point Methodological Quality of Exercise Training Studies Scale. The results of the included articles were combined into a narrative synthesis. Methodologies of the reviewed articles included randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, and feasibility studies. The results suggested that climbing is an acceptable and feasible form of exercise for people with PD. Climbing may also ameliorate Parkinsonian motor symptoms, including symptoms measured using wearable technologies. Participant experiences of climbing and the effects on non-motor symptoms remain under-examined. Major limitations of the current literature are the small number of publications and small respective sample sizes. Future research examining the feasibility and physiological responses to different types of climbing, as well as comparing climbing to other exercise types and treatment approaches, may help clinicians establish recommendations related to therapeutic climbing for people with PD

Climbing · Intervention (counseling · MEDLINE · Meta-analysis · Psychological intervention · Quality of life (healthcare · Systematic review · Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation · Parkinson's Disease and Spinal Disorders · Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Robotics

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Open DOIOpen Access