Effects of a climbing course on spine muscles in comparison to isokinetic strength training

Reduction of pain in spine syndromes may be achieved by a progressive dynamic strength training of the spine stabilising muscles combined with improving flexibility. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of a climbing course to strength training. Out of 22 patients with back pain 10 took part in an indoor climbing course and 12 in an isokinetic strength therapy. Before and after training, the mobility of the cervical spine was measured in one plane of the thoracic/lumbal spine in 3 planes and the strength of the cervical extensors, the thoracic/lumbal extensors, flexors, rotators and lateral flexors. The ratio of flexors to extensors was calculated as well as for right and left rotators and both lateral flexors. Both groups showed comparable results for the mobility except for the frontal plane of the thoracic and lumbal spine in the climbing group. The gain in strength was stronger in the strength training group. A clear difference was seen in the ratio maximal strength rotators and lateral flexors right versus left for which only the climbing showed an increase while the ratio flexors/extensors was increased in the strength training only. In spine syndromes, climbing training may partly yield better results than progressive dynamic strength training. Continuous climbing activity may produce results similar to those obtained with power tool training.