How can climbing help those with Parkinson’s Disease?
NIH and UEP studied how climbing helps people with Parkinson's disease.
National Institute of Health and UEP has partnered to conduct a pilot study. Read the published results: "Scaling New Heights." We explored how indoor rock climbing affects physical function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Led by Julie Ries, Molly Cupka (Executive Director of Up Ending Parkinson’s), and Andrew Guccione, the research was conducted through Marymount University and published in the Archives of Physiotherapy in March 2025.
The 12-week community-based program involved twice-weekly top-rope climbing sessions tailored to each participant's ability. The study included 28 adults with mild to moderate PD, and measured outcomes such as balance, agility, and dexterity.
Results were overwhelmingly positive:
Significant improvements in balance and mobility
Notable gains in agility and fine motor skills
Participants showed measurable progress in everyday functional tasks
The findings support what many already experience firsthand: climbing is a powerful, fun, and motivating intervention for people with Parkinson’s. This study adds to growing evidence that adaptive climbing can improve both physical and psychological well-being for those living with PD.