INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL RISK FACTORS ON ALPINE SKIING INJURIES IN RECREATIONAL SKIERS

The main goal of this study was to identify potential external risk factors for injury in recreational skiers through a survey questionnaire. Subjects were divided into injured skiers and a control group who never had an injury. Injured skiers (N=212) answered questions that helped define potential risk factors. The control group (N=206) completed the same questionnaire but without questions about injury. Common questions were used to determine the possibility of injury using Chi-Square test, and additional questions were used to determine the influence on injury severity using Fisher’s test. An analysis of external factors showed that formal ski school was not statistically related to the possibility and severity of injury, but significantly increased knowledge of skiing. Skiing with another person did not decrease the possibility of injury but did increase the severity of injury. Visibility, field of vision, condition of the slope, temperature, and weather conditions are not statistically related to injury severity, but when combined, they could be an important factor in the possibility of injury.

Medical services and injury management in Alpine skiing during the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2020 in Lausanne

Purpose: The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are an elite sporting event for young athletes aged 15-18 years from all over the world. In the third Youth Olympic Winter Games, held in Lausanne in 2020, there were 16 disciplines and 81 events. In previous reports regarding YOG, injury risk was highest in the skiing events and alpine ski had a high rate, 14% in 2012 and 12.9% in 2016. The purpose of this report is to discuss the rescue organization, investigate the incidence of alpine ski injury during YOG 2020 and compare to previous reports. Methods: During the YOG 2020, we reviewed all alpine skiing injuries from 1 official training and 9 events. 77 men racers from 57 countries and 78 women racers from 54 countries have participated. We calculated injury incidence as the number of injuries in competition, training or in total during the game period divided by the respective number of participating athletes; with incidence values presented as injuries per 100 athletes. The injury rates per a game duration were compared among the each YOG games (2012, 2016, 2020) with use of the chi-square test. The injury rate between men and women was compared using the chi-square test as well.

Effects of Visual and Auditory Perturbations on Ski-Specific Balance among Males and Females—A Randomized Crossover Trial

Injuries in skiing show sex-specific differences, especially when visual perception is reduced. Reduced visual perception impairs balance, which plays an important role in avoiding skiing injuries. However, males and females might cope differently with reduced visual perception. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate sex-related effects of environmental perturbations (reduced visual perception and listening to music) on ski-specific balance. Using a crossover design, ski-specific balance was tested in 50 young adults (50% female) in four conditions: with and without listening to music and/or with and without reduced visual perception (ski goggles with occlusion foil). A four × two (condition by sex) mixed ANOVA revealed a significant condition by sex interaction, partial η² = 0.06. Females showed an increase in balance from the condition without music/with normal visual perception to the condition with music/with normal visual perception, while males showed a decrease. Balance was significantly higher in females compared to males, partial η² = 0.31. The findings suggest that balance is affected differently by environmental perturbations in females and males. However, the differences observed were not in line with our initial hypotheses, which might be because the model was too simplistic for how visual/auditory perturbations may affect balance.

Alpine Skiing Injuries

Context: Alpine skiing is a popular sport worldwide but has significant risk for injury. The epidemiology of skiing-related injuries has been described, which has led to the identification of risk factors for specific types of injuries. Evidence Acquisition: Pertinent literature from peer-reviewed publications was reviewed. Study Design: Clinical review. Level of Evidence: Level 5. Results: The adoption of international standards for ski-boot-binding systems has changed the profile of skiing-related injuries over time, as has the widespread use of helmets. An understanding of mechanisms of injury, risk factors, and preventative measures may decrease the incidence of skiing-related injuries. Conclusion: Advances in standards for skiing equipment have been effective at decreasing both the frequency and severity of skiing-related injuries, but additional efforts are required to improve the safety of the sport.

Head injury mechanisms in FIS World Cup alpine and freestyle skiers and snowboarders

IntroductionHead injuries represent a concern in skiing and snowboarding, with traumatic brain injuries being the most common cause of death.AimTo describe the mechanisms of head and face injuries among World Cup alpine and freestyle skiers and snowboarders.MethodsWe performed a qualitative analysis of videos obtained of head and face injuries reported through the International Ski Federation Injury Surveillance System during 10 World Cup seasons (2006–2016). We analysed 57 head impact injury videos (alpine n=29, snowboard n=13, freestyle n=15), first independently and subsequently in a consensus meeting.ResultsDuring the crash sequence, most athletes (84%) impacted the snow with the skis or board first, followed by the upper or lower extremities, buttocks/pelvis, back and, finally, the head. Alpine skiers had sideways (45%) and backwards pitching falls (35%), with impacts to the rear (38%) and side (35%) of the helmet. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders had backwards pitching falls (snowboard 77%, freestyle 53%), mainly with impacts to the rear of the helmet (snowboard 69%, freestyle 40%). There were three helmet ejections among alpine skiers (10% of cases), and 41% of alpine skiing injuries occurred due to inappropriate gate contact prior to falling. Athletes had one (47%) or two (28%) head impacts, and the first impact was the most severe (71%). Head impacts were mainly on snow (83%) on a downward slope (63%).ConclusionThis study has identified several characteristics of the mechanisms of head injuries, which may be addressed to reduce risk.

Head Injuries in Urban Environment Skiing and Snowboarding: A Retrospective Study on Injury Severity and Injury Mechanisms

Background and Aim: During the last decade urban skiing and snowboarding has gained a lot of popularity. In urban skiing/snowboarding riders try to balance on handrails and jump off buildings. Previous studies in skiing and snowboarding accidents have mostly been conducted at hospitals located close to alpine terrain with big ski resort areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the types and severity of traumatic brain injuries occurring in small, suburban hills and in urban environment, and to characterize injury patterns to find out the specific mechanisms of injuries behind. Materials and Methods: This study included all patients admitted to the Helsinki University Hospital Trauma Unit from 2006 to 2015 with a head injury (ICD 10 S06-S07) from skiing or snowboarding accidents in Helsinki capital area. Head injuries that did not require a CT-scan, and injuries older than 24 hours were excluded from this study. Results: There were a total of 72 patients that met the inclusion criteria Mean length of stay in hospital was 2.95 days. According to the AIS classification, 30% had moderate, 14% had severe, and 10% had critical head injuries. Patients who got injured in terrain parks or on streets where more likely to be admitted to ICU than those injured on slopes. Based on GOS score at discharge, 78% were classified as having a good recovery from the injury, 13% had a moderate disability, 5% had a severe disability and 3% of the injuries were fatal. There were no statistically significant differences in decreased GOS between the accident sites. Conclusion: Head injuries occurring in small suburban hills and in urban environments can be serious and potentially fatal. The profile and severity of skiing injuries in urban environments and small, suburban hills is comparable to those on alpine terrain.