THE MIND OF THE CLIMBER: BRAIN, COGNITIVE, AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES

Sportclimbing, beyond its pursuitof physical performance, encompasses recreational, ludic, and gravitational experimentation aspects. This activity can be undertaken in various modalities, each characterized by different physical and personality traits among climbers. The present review documents evidence that this activity impacts the structure and function of the brain, with changes in the cerebellum, parietal cortex, and motor, sensory, visual, and multimodal areas. Personality data of climbers are also included, distinguished by conscientiousness, extraversion, and low levels of neuroticism. Furthermore, it has been evidenced to relate to unique cognitive and affective states, such as improvements in attention, memory, and positive emotions like self- efficacy and goal achievement. Although uncertainties persist regarding the timing and duration of these changes, their relevance in the climber's sports performance is discussed.