Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center

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Information about project titled 'Injury incidence in qualification runs versus final runs in FIS World Cup snowboard cross and ski cross'

Injury incidence in qualification runs versus final runs in FIS World Cup snowboard cross and ski cross

Details about the project - category Details about the project - value
Project status: Published
Project manager: Sophie Steenstrup
Supervisor(s): Lars Nordsletten, Tone Bere
Coworker(s): Tonje Wåle Flørenes, Roald Bahr

Description

Snowboarding and freestyke skiing have become one of the premier alpine sports with a dramatic increase in popularity over the past decade. It is estimated that there are up to 7 million snowboarders worldwide. Studies have suggested that the risk of injury in snowboarding  and freestyle is especially high among competitive snowboarders at elite level.

The FIS Injury Surveillance System, established at Oslo Sport Trauma Research Center (2006), has reported that the injury incidence among World Cup snowboarders and freestyle athletes is alarmingly high. One in three riders sustains an injury per season. Over 30% of the injuries are serious injuries leading to long term absence from training and competition, and unfortunately in some cases career ending. The injury pattern is dominated by knee and head injuries, and the most frequent types of injuries are joint and ligament injuries.

To reduce the risk of injury among World Cup snowboarders and fresstyle atheletes, we have to know why and how injuries occur. Little is known about the injury risk and the specific injury mechanisms associated with high level snowboarding and freestule riding. To date, limited scientific documentation is available.

 

The aim of this study is therefore to describe in detail injury situations and mechanisms of injury in World Cup snowboarding and freestyle.

 

Methods

Injuries were recorded by the FIS injury surveillance system (FIS ISS) through retrospective athlete interviews at the end of each season during four WC seasons (2006-2010). A total of 713 athletes (345 SBX and 368 SX) were interviewed. Time-loss injuries occurring during SBX and SX competitions were included. Injury incidence was expressed as the relative injury rate (per 1000 runs).

This study will give important knowledge about injury risk factors and mechanisms; aspects which are essential in the injury prevention process.