Adaptive Climbing Sleeve

Adaptive Climbing Sleeve - open-source assistive technology prototype by the California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo community

About this project

A protective, form-fitting climbing sleeve for climbers with limb differences or anyone seeking enhanced comfort and grip. It improves safety, reduces friction, and can be adapted for other high-contact sports.

The challenge

Dr. Retsek has an upper-limb difference, creating a disadvantage when he climbs recreationally. His disability makes climbing uncomfortable due to the friction between the climbing holds and his arm. This makes him prone to falling and enduring injuries.

Who it helps

This project aims to help climbers with limb differences (arms or legs) by creating a form-fitting, protective sleeve. It reduces friction and injury risk during climbs, improving comfort and performance. The sleeve's design can be adapted for other sports

How it works

This project supports climbers with limb differences, including those with upper- or lower-limb variations, by providing a form-fitting protective sleeve. It can also be adapted for other sports where friction reduction and limb protection are needed.

Dr. Retsek has an upper-limb difference, which makes climbing uncomfortable due to friction between the climbing holds and his arm. This increases the risk of injury and makes climbing more challenging. The sleeve was developed to improve comfort, reduce friction, and lower the likelihood of accidents.

The sleeve uses compressive material to provide padding while allowing a full range of motion. Grip pads are placed strategically to support high-contact areas, and the durable design reduces wear, waste, and cost compared to previous solutions.

A secure, durable, and cost-effective climbing sleeve made from compressive, form-fitting material. It includes strategically placed grip pads to protect the limb, reduce friction, and improve climbing performance indoors.

[Project formerly titled The Ascent - Climbing Sleeve for Retsek]

Tools needed

scissors

set of needles

Project details

The build files for Adaptive Climbing Sleeve are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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