Expert Views on Therapeutic Climbing—A Multi-Perspective, Qualitative Study

Anika Frühauf, Julia Heußner, Martin Niedermeier and Martin Kopp
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Anika Frühauf: Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Julia Heußner: Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Martin Niedermeier: Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Martin Kopp: Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: Therapeutic climbing (TC) is regularly used as an add-on treatment option for a variety of disorders. However, evidence on the assessment of professionals deciding on the treatment options or assessing the appropriateness of treatment options is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the potential of TC as an exercise intervention from different expert perspectives. The study was designed as a qualitative, problem-centered interview experiment to assess the perspectives of pedagogues, physicians, and psychologists on exercise therapy in general and the potential of TC. The sample consisted of 30 experts (10 pedagogues, 10 physicians, and 10 psychologists) with different levels of experience in TC (?age: 41.7 years, ? = 43%). Overall, the potential of TC as an add-on treatment option for various disorders was rated by the respondents as positive and useful. The interviewed experts believed that TC can have a decisive effect on the social, psychological, and physiological domain as a sensibly used add-on therapy. However, considering the reported potential adverse effects and the costs connected with TC, it should not be considered as a panacea. Although research in this area is still much in its infancy, the positive perspective of the professional representatives surveyed could facilitate access to TC for patients and may foster more research in this field.

Keywords: exercise therapy; attitudes; expert views; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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