IJPR.2023.131

Type of Article:  Original Research

Volume 11; Issue 3 (June 2023)

Page No.: 4531-4536

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijpr.2023.131

Awareness about the Role Of Physiotherapy in Mountaineering Among Indian Mountaineers

Dhvani Nirmal *1, Siddhi Ghodge 2.

*1 KJ Somaiya College Of Physiotherapy, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

2 KJ Somaiya College Of Physiotherapy, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Corresponding Author: Dhvani Nirmal, KJ Somaiya College Of Physiotherapy, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. E-Mail: nirmal.dhvani@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Mountaineering refers to the sport of climbing mountains. The skill set and level of fitness required for mountaineering are very different from those required for other activities. It is a sport that involves considerable risk of injuries not only because of the technical demands but also because of the challenges posed by the high altitude. Mountaineers are aware of the importance of physical fitness required in mountaineering, they may not be fully aware of the minute aspects such as the intensity and level of training from their base fitness levels. Physiotherapy helps narrow this gap and provides subjective levels of training required for a mountaineer and their fitness

Objective: To assess the Awareness about the role of physiotherapy in mountaineering among Indian mountaineers.

Methods: 68 Mountaineers between 16-49 years of age who have completed at least one trek above 12,000 ft participated in the study. A validated online questionnaire was circulated among the participants after taking their consent. The data collected were subjected to descriptive analysis.

Results: The study revealed that most of mountaineers have considerable knowledge about the role of physiotherapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. However, there is a lack of awareness about the role of physiotherapy in the aspects of cardiopulmonary function, injury prevention, and prevention of AMS.

Conclusions: This study shows that mountaineers need to be educated about the role of physiotherapy in all aspects of mountaineering and how it can help them perform better.

Keywords: Trekking, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, High Altitude, Climbing Sports.

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Cite this article: Dhvani Nirmal, Siddhi Ghodge. Awareness about the Role Of Physiotherapy in Mountaineering Among Indian Mountaineers. Int J Physiother Res 2023;11(3):4531-4536. DOI: 10.16965/ijpr.2023.131