Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 47 10 2018 10 06 1440 1452 Lun LI Dept. of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China An RU National Training Office, Shandong Sport University, Shandong, China Ting LIAO Dept. of Swimming Teaching and Research, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China Shisi ZOU Dept. of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China Xiao Hong NIU Dept. of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China Yong Tai WANG College of Nursing and Health Sciences, The University of Texas, Tyler, Texas, USA 2018 10 06 Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to systematically determine the effects of rock climbing on College Students’ physical fitness by means of Meta-analysis. Methods: Studies investigated the possible fitness benefits of rock climbing were identified through a computerized search of six electronic databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science Periodical Database, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus and PsycINFO. Effects of rock climbing exercise intervention trials >4 wk, published in English and Chinese between Jan 1996 and May 2016, including between subject and within subject designs, were reviewed. Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. Ten selected variables in this meta-analysis were: Body fat percentage, VO2max, Heart rate, Handgrip strength, Lower limb pedaling power, Vertical Jump, Push-Ups, Pull-Ups, Sit-Ups, and Sit-and-reach. The effect sizes of these ten variables were calculated (P<0.05) and forest plots along with effective sizes were presented. Results: Rock climbing can significantly improve Handgrip strength, Lower limb pedaling power, Vertical Jump, Push-Ups, Pull-Ups, Sit-Ups and Sit-and-reach (P<0.01), and significantly increase VO2max (P<0.05), however, rock climbing did not show significant improvement on Heart rate and Body fat percentage. Conclusion: As a newly popular physical exercise, rock climbing has a significantly positive impact on the physical fitness among college students. Rock climbing may be more effective if the college students engage in it for a longer term.   https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/14904 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/14904/6150