Differences between boulderers and top rope climbers in the relationship between anxiety and disordered eating

Abstract

Purpose Disordered eating (DE) has been associated with elevated anxiety, high stress, and low self-esteem and occurs often in sports where weight is a limiting factor. Sport climbing in general provides a combination in these aspects but the relevance of a low body weight differs in the different climbing types (e.g., weight supported top rope climbing vs non-supported bouldering). To date, these differences have yet been investigated, while they might provide useful insight into the mechanisms of disordered eating and potential preventative strategies. This study aimed to assess the influence of different types of climbing (bouldering vs top rope) on the relation between anxiety and DE. Methods 59 rock climbers (male, n = 38; female, n = 21; mean age = 28.33 ± 7.4 years) completed a survey (including the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, Mental toughness Questionnaire, Cattell's Anxiety Scale Questionnaire) investigating preferred climbing style, trait anxiety, mental toughness, and eating behavior. Results Boulderers showed a higher anxiety score compared to top rope climbers. Among boulderers, higher anxiety levels were associated with lower mental toughness. Among top rope climbers, anxiety was associated with emotional and external eating behavior. Conclusion Findings showed a higher anxiety in boulderers but no greater measures of DE. It is possible that, through their experience in a high anxiety environment, boulderers have been able to develop effective coping strategies that have a protective effect against DE.

The Evaluation of Energy Availability and Dietary Nutrient Intake of Sport Climbers at Different Climbing Levels

“…These factors may lead to additional pressure to achieve a lower BW or leanness, which could negatively affect eating patterns [ 29 ]. Furthermore, a study by Modaberi et al [ 31 ] reported a positive correlation between anxiety, emotional eating, and external eating behavior in top rope climbers. Previous studies analyzing DE reported higher prevalence rates among elite athletes [ 32 ].…”