Therapeutic use of rock climbing among school-age youth

THE CONTEXT

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also known as “dyspraxia,” is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects 5 to 6% of school-aged children and impacts motor performance and social participation. Young people with DCD have difficulty learning and performing motor skills and require more support and practice than their peers to carry out daily and physical activities. Other conditions often co-occur with DCD, the most common being attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD). These youth are also less likely than their peers to engage in regular physical activity, which exposes them to a sedentary lifestyle, health problems, and social isolation. It is therefore important that these youth benefit from interventions that promote their motivation and commitment to physical activity.

Studies on the therapeutic use of rock climbing have demonstrated positive effects on the physical and psychosocial health of people with mental health issues. In young people with ADHD, an adapted rock climbing program has shown significant improvement in executive functions. However, the therapeutic use of rock climbing in young people with DCD remains under-explored.

THE PROJECT

In this study, patient partners will include at least two young people with BDD and their parents. They will be consulted before, during, and after the design and testing of interventions. Their expectations, needs, and goals will be taken into account to determine the topics covered during intervention sessions. Their preferences will also be considered in the choice of activities and modalities.

Many young people with this condition do not engage in regular physical activity, which is detrimental to their health. It is therefore important to offer them effective interventions to motivate them to be active and support them in adopting an active lifestyle. To this end, it is recommended to focus on activities that are not very competitive or not competitive at all. Rock climbing is a good example of this and is very popular among young people with DCD. In addition, this activity has many health benefits. Young people with DCD would therefore benefit from interventions using climbing. However, rigorous studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative modality. That is why this project aims to develop research on the therapeutic use of climbing for young people with DCD, as a first step.

THE OBJECTIVES

This research program aims to develop studies on the therapeutic use of rock climbing among school-aged youth. The objectives of these studies will be to document the experimentation with this modality, combined with other proven interventions, adapting it to the needs of various groups of young people, and to examine its feasibility and effectiveness, particularly in terms of skill and strategy acquisition, transfer of learning to everyday life, sense of self-efficacy, and physical activity. Ultimately, these studies will guide the improvement, implementation, and evaluation of intervention programs focused on therapeutic escalation.

POTENTIAL IMPACT ON CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Climbing sparks interest and motivation in many young people and parents, which is important for their participation and engagement. In addition, this activity offers various health benefits. Its potential could be increased by integrating other proven interventions. Climbing can make interventions more fun and even motivating, as observed in young people with DCD. It has also enabled these young people to have a positive physical and social experience, acquire strategies and skills, and stimulate their desire to be active. Although safe in this context, climbing can be considered a “risky game,” which is recommended for the development and well-being of young people. Thus, the therapeutic use of climbing has the potential to empower young people and encourage them to be physically active, while promoting their development, participation, and well-being.