The IBM SPSS Statistics for MAC, version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA) was used for demographic description of the data and statistical tests were performed using the statistical analysis software SAS 9.4 for Windows (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.
For inference testing of spinal parameters, all non-dichotomous spinal parameters were dichotomized according to the established cut off for degenerative findings for each classification system (Pfirrmann ≥ 3, Endplate defect score ≥ 2, Modic ≥ 1).
For comparison of training amount, thoracolumbar back pain, and spinal changes between groups; Fisher ´s Exact test (lowest 1-sided p-value multiplied by 2) was used for dichotomous variables and the Mantel–Haenszel Chi Square Exact test was used for ordered categorical variables. The Fisher ´s Non-Parametric Permutation Test was used for continuous variables. The cumulative number of IVDs/levels/vertebrae per participant were compared between the climbing and control group.
Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability measures were analyzed with Gwent’s agreement coefficient with type 1 utilized for nominal and dichotomous variables and type 2 for ordinal variables.
For inference testing of spinal parameters, all non-dichotomous spinal parameters were dichotomized according to the established cut off for degenerative findings for each classification system (Pfirrmann ≥ 3, Endplate defect score ≥ 2, Modic ≥ 1).
For comparison of training amount, thoracolumbar back pain, and spinal changes between groups; Fisher ´s Exact test (lowest 1-sided p-value multiplied by 2) was used for dichotomous variables and the Mantel–Haenszel Chi Square Exact test was used for ordered categorical variables. The Fisher ´s Non-Parametric Permutation Test was used for continuous variables. The cumulative number of IVDs/levels/vertebrae per participant were compared between the climbing and control group.
Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability measures were analyzed with Gwent’s agreement coefficient with type 1 utilized for nominal and dichotomous variables and type 2 for ordinal variables.
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