Date of Award

8-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biology; Health and Human Performance; Psychological Science

Program

Integrated Biosciences (MS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Megan Nelson

Abstract

Rock climbing is an understudied physical activity (PA) that demands active decision-making, integration of sensory and visual input, and continuous regulation of nervous system activity to produce complex motor outputs. The unique psychological demands of climbing warrant studying its effect on cognition and brain health. I recruited 26 generally healthy adults for a randomized-controlled study. Climbing experience, PA and perceived stress were self-reported. Each participant was randomly assigned to a climbing (10x2 minutes climb, moderate intensity) or control group (seated, watching climbing-related video). The primary outcomes, cognitive performance and salivary cortisol levels were assessed by the Stroop test. A linear mixed-effects model was used to examine the differences between cognition and cortisol before and after the interventions in control and climbing groups. Reaction times and salivary cortisol levels were significantly lower after the intervention in both climbing and control groups compared to before

(linear mixed model, fixed effects showed significant main effect of time, b=34.767, SE=10.918, t=3.1845, p=0.00399, CI (13.37, 56.16), and b=-1060.11, SE=418.92, t=-2.531, p=0.0188, CI (-1878.7, -240.73), for reaction time and cortisol levels, respectively.) Rock climbing can acutely improve reaction time and reduce cortisol levels, both crucial contributors to cognitive performance and brain health. Substantial variation among participants and no significant difference between treatment groups warrant further research on the topic. Climbing may have the potential to enhance cognition and long-term brain health in the general population.

Access Type

Open Access

Additional Files
Vanessa Steigauf (1).pdf (39 kB)
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