Integrating Sports Climbing into College Curricula: Enhancing Student Performance and Well-being in Jiangxi, China

In recent years, sports climbing has emerged as a physically and mentally enriching activity with recognized educational benefits. However, there remains a lack of a structured and standardized sports climbing curriculum in colleges across Jiangxi, China. This study addresses the critical gap by investigating the relationships between awareness, perceived importance, satisfaction, and challenges associated with sports climbing, and how these factors influence student performance. Using a mixed-methods approach with a primary quantitative emphasis, data were collected from 200 students across Jiangxi colleges through a structured questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis revealed statistically significant and strong relationships among all variables, particularly between satisfaction and student performance (r = .778), and between perceived importance and satisfaction (r = .770). The findings demonstrate that increased awareness and positive perceptions of sports climbing directly contribute to enhanced student satisfaction and improved academic outcomes, despite challenges faced in curriculum implementation. The literature review contextualizes these findings by exploring curriculum design, physical and mental development, safety protocols, and the role of cultural relevance and environmental ethics in program success. Discussions highlight the transformative role of sport climbing in promoting resilience, collaboration, reflective learning, and well-being among college students. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for institutional support, structured curriculum development, and inclusive policies to successfully integrate sport climbing as a core component of physical education. These insights provide a foundation for educational stakeholders to reform extracurricular programs and promote holistic student development through innovative physical education strategies. The study contributes to the evolving discourse on curriculum innovation and reinforces the potential of sports climbing in shaping a well-rounded academic environment in Jiangxi's higher education landscape.