Innovationer inom design av klättringspraxis : Utforskning av anpassningar av klättringspraxis baserat på menstruationshälsa

This thesis explores how female climbers experience and adapt training across menstrual cycle phases, and how design can support more inclusive, body-responsive sports practices. Existing research often views menstruation as a limitation, overlooking its broader impact on performance, motivation, and bodily agency. Using qualitative design methods, including cultural probes and co-design workshops with six climbers, the study identified four key insights: climbers adjust training according to bodily rhythms; ovulation and luteal phases a!ect comfort, motivation, and energy; uncertainty about symptoms undermines confidence more than discomfort itself; and menstruation can be empowering. Based on these findings, the thesis proposes cycle-aware sports technologies that integrate physiological signals with lived experiences, reduce uncertainty, enhance body literacy, and support adaptive, sustainable training. By reframing menstruation as an integral, sometimes empowering part of athletic life, this work o!ers new directions for theory and practice in supporting female athletes.