Climbing the gap: a review on sex differences in high-level rock climbing.

ABSTRACT: Since its inclusion in the Olympic Program in 2016, climbing has grown increasingly popular and professionalized. While climbing research is also increasing, female (elite) athletes remain underrepresented, with the extent of this gap remaining unexplored. Therefore, the aims of this review are to (1) systematically review the published research in climbing, focusing on the inclusion of female athletes, (2) evaluate the differences between male and female climbers, and (3) formulate recommendations for future research and practice. A systematic literature search was performed in four databases in July 2025. In a general analysis, all included studies were analyzed regarding the representation of female participants. Peer-reviewed original studies assessing various factors of climbing perfo

SUBMITTER: Langer K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12827595 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature