Multiple sclerosis mainly affects young adults, which would be still able to work. Sport climbing as a relatively new form of therapy for neurological patients has a highly intrinsic motivation. Following Turner et al (2009) a key-point to enhance psycho-social constitution and quality of life in patients with MS is the facilitation of physical activity. The aim of therapeutic climbing is to use the different effects on motor function and psychological components, to target various symptoms of patients with MS individually and to motivate them for an active lifestyle. Climbing in a therapeutic context is developing fast. Many field reports and case studies exist for therapeutic use. But there are only a few, heterogeneous studies. The aim is to demonstrate if sports climbing has a beneficial effect in the treatment of patients with MS. Climbing allows training body perception, strength, flexibility and endurance as well as self-esteem, courage and confidence. Within the climbing sessions an experienced therapist is able to work holistically and can adapt to the individual needs and symptoms of the patient. Velikonja et al (2010) was first to show evidence to reduce fatigue about 32.5% through a climbing-intervention in patients with MS. Our own randomized, controlled study assessed the impact of sport climbing on motor function and psycho-social factors in multiple sclerosis. We included 27 patients. The intervention of two hours a week lasts 6 month. First significant results in the climbing group encourage the findings on fatigue. Climbing seems to be an appropriate therapeutic medium to work on individual handicaps and motivate for more independence and activity in daily living, especially for patients with MS. The current absence of studies on evidence and setting in therapeutic climbing allows a wide area of research in the future in a therapeutic context.

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