Sex-specific muscular adaptations in climbers: An ultrasonographic analysis of abdominal wall muscles. A novel cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the thickness of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), rectus abdominis (RA), and the inter-recti distance (IRD) between male and female climbers, using B-mode ultrasonography to identify potential sex-based morphological differences. This study highlights sex-related differences in abdominal muscle thickness among trained climbers. While male participants generally showed greater muscle thickness, the left EO was thicker in females. These morphological differences may reflect sex-specific anatomical adaptations, but further research is needed to determine their functional relevance. Current and future findings may contribute to the development of sex-specific training, rehabilitation, and injury prevention strategies in climbing.