Reduce Injury Rates Research Articles

COMPREHENSIVE INJURY PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Injury prevention in football is a critical issue for athletes, coaches, and health professionals, given the sport's dynamic movements that elevate the risk of muscle and joint injuries. Effective strategies should incorporate specialized physical training and physiotherapeutic interventions to optimize player protection and performance. Preventive training programs, emphasizing muscle strengthening and proprioception, are essential for reducing injury risks. Specific exercises targeting the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and core enhance joint stability and mitigate overload injuries. Neuromuscular training, which includes balance exercises and plyometrics, improves proprioception and helps prevent falls and twists. Flexibility through regular stretching and dynamic warm-ups, such as the FIFA 11+, is crucial for preparing players physically and lowering injury incidence. Additionally, physiotherapists play a vital role in injury prevention through functional assessments to identify muscle imbalances and develop corrective exercise programs. Manual therapy techniques, joint stabilization exercises, and preventive rehabilitation further contribute to maintaining soft tissue quality and preventing muscle strains. Monitoring training load is another fundamental aspect of injury prevention, as abrupt changes in training intensity can lead to injuries. Using tracking technologies allows for better control of players' physical efforts. Studies indicate that implementing structured injury prevention programs significantly reduces injury rates and enhances athletic performance. Research highlights the importance of a multicomponent approach, individualized training, and load management to lower hamstring injuries. Collaboration among athletes, coaches, and health professionals is crucial to create a safe training environment. As football evolves, prioritizing injury prevention is essential for players' health, success, and career longevity.

Health impact of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act in Korean occupational settings

Abstract Background Interrupted time series analysis serves as a valuable study design for assessing the efficacy of public health interventions implemented at a specific moment in time at the population level. We aim to elucidate the effects of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act implemented in February 2021 in Korea by analyzing changes in the incidence rates of occupational diseases. Methods The monthly data from patients with occupational diseases was extracted from the National Health Insurance Service Cohort database from 2011 to 2023. An Interrupted time series analysis with Poisson segmented regression was used to compare the rates before and after the Serious Accidents Punishment Act introduction in both outpatients and inpatients. Adjustments or stratification variables included sex, age, company size, and injury-related international classification of diseases codes (Injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes, S00-T88). Results Based on injury rates, men’s inpatient injury rates remained stable, but outpatient rates decreased after the act implementation, while women’s injury rates consistently declined in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The Interrupted time series regression analysis indicates that the Serious Accidents Punishment Act led to a significant reduction in both outpatient and inpatient injury rates for men and women, with a marked decline in outpatient rates and hospital admissions among women post-intervention. Conclusions The Interrupted time series regression results suggest that the Serious Accidents Punishment Act has been effective in reducing injury-related healthcare usage, highlighting the necessity of gender-specific interventions and the potential impact on lowering inpatient visits, although causality remains uncertain without further analysis. Key messages • The Serious Accidents Punishment Act significantly reduced occupational injury rates in Korea, especially among women, demonstrating effective public health intervention. • Interrupted time series analysis reveals Serious Accidents Punishment Act’s impact on reducing healthcare usage for occupational injuries, highlighting the need for gender-specific approaches.

Treestrand-Related Injuries Outnumber Projectile-Related Injuries in Arkansas Hunters, 1993-2022.

Epidemiologic data on hunting-related injuries is sparse. Most published studies in this arena come from case reports or case series from a trauma department or state trauma registry. Relatively few of the studies have attempted to calculate rates of injury by demographic characteristics or hunting-related activities. In this study, we summarize the epidemiologic trends in hunting-related injuries in Arkansas over the last 30 years. A descriptive analysis of hunter injury data collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission from 1993 to 2022 was performed. Analyses showed that the overall number of hunting-related injuries decreased by 0.16 per 100,000 licensees per year during the study period (P=0.0009). Projectile-related injuries decreased by 0.24 per 100,000 licensees (P=0.00001), and treestand-related injuries increased by 0.06 per 100,000 licensees (P=0.02) during the same time (both trends P<0.00001). treestand-related injuries now account for two thirds of all hunting-related injuries reported to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Among hunters subject to hunter education certification mandates, compliance was 48.7%. Although projectile-related hunting injuries have decreased in Arkansas in the last 30 years, treestand-related hunting injuries have increased. These injuries are largely preventable if the hunter follows treestand safety recommendations (such as using a body harness and tether at all times when off the ground), as recommended by the Treestand Manufacturers of America. In addition, implementing strategies to improve compliance with hunter education certification also may help reduce injury rates.

Unintended workplace safety consequences of minimum wages

We investigate the unintended impact of minimum wage increases on workplace safety. Using establishment-level data from the United States and a cohort-based stacked difference-in-differences design, we find that large increases in minimum wages have significant adverse effects on workplace safety. Our findings indicate that, on average, a large minimum wage increase results in a 4.6 percent increase in the total case rate. Event study estimates show that this adverse effect persists in the medium run. Furthermore, we find a more salient effect for firms more likely to be financially constrained or subject to a higher labor market rigidity in firing workers. We provide suggestive evidence that small minimum wage increases might reduce injury rates, highlighting the potential heterogeneity in the impact of minimum wage changes. We do not find evidence that capital-labor substitution could be behind the findings.

Mechanisms and Prevention Strategies of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Alpine Skiers

Alpine skiing is a sport enjoyed by more than 50 million people across the world every year. However, despite advancements in safety practices and technology, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries remain a significant concern. This narrative review investigates the prevalence and mechanisms of ACL injuries in alpine skiing and differentiates between intrinsic (e.g., age, sex, and skill level) and extrinsic factors (e.g., equipment design and environmental conditions) that contribute to the risk of ACL injuries. This article outlines 4 primary mechanisms through which ACL injuries occur, highlighting the complex physical demands of skiing and the role of skier behavior and environmental interactions in injury occurrence. Based on these findings, this article advocates for neuromuscular training (NMT) as a possible effective prevention strategy. NMT enhances muscular coordination and strength, balance, and agility through exercises that mimic skiing movements, potentially lowering the risk of ACL injuries. By providing a detailed analysis of ACL injury risk factors and prevention strategies in the sport, this review offers valuable insights for reducing injury rates and underscores the importance of NMT to mitigate the high incidence of ACL injuries in alpine skiing.

Analysis of a Biopolymer Implementation in the Automotive Instrument Panel

Objective: The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of different materials for vehicle dashboards in mitigating knee injuries during accidents, with a focus on environmentally friendly options. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on the premise that modern vehicle design should not only prioritize safety standards but also integrate sustainable practices. This framework underscores the importance of utilizing materials that not only meet safety requirements but also minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. Method: The study compares the performance of two materials, polypropylene and poly-lactic acid (PLA), in vehicle dashboards. Data is gathered through experimentation to assess each material's ability to absorb energy and reduce knee impact injuries, as well as their environmental sustainability. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that PLA demonstrates superior performance compared to Polypropylene in mitigating knee injuries during collisions, while also being more environmentally friendly due to its biodegradability and renewable sourcing. Research Implications: This research contributes to the development of safer vehicle designs by identifying materials that better protect occupants from knee injuries, while also considering the environmental impact of vehicle production and disposal. Implementing materials like PLA could lead to reduced injury rates and improved vehicle safety standards, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers, and promoting sustainability in the automotive industry. Originality/Value: This study offers original insights into the potential of PLA as a superior material for vehicle dashboards in terms of both safety and ecological impact. By exploring alternative materials, such as biopolymers, the research adds value to the ongoing efforts to enhance passive safety measures in automobiles while considering environmental sustainability as a critical factor in material selection.

Seasonal Comparison of Pre-Adolescent Soccer Players' Physical Performance Using an Objective Physical Test Battery.

Soccer is a multifactorial sport, requiring physical, psychological, technical, and tactical skills to succeed. Monitoring and comparing physical characteristics over time is essential to assess players' development, customize training, and prevent injury. The use of wearable sensors is essential to provide accurate and objective physical data. In this longitudinal study, 128 male adolescent soccer players (from Under 12 to Under 19) were evaluated at two time points (pre- and post-season). Participants completed the Euleria Lab test battery, including stability, countermovement and consecutive jumps, agility, and quick feet tests. A single Inertial Measurement Unit sensor provided quantitative data on fifteen performance metrics. Percentage changes were compared to the Smallest Worthwhile Changes to assess significant changes over time. The results showed significant improvements in most variables, including a 19.7% increase in quick feet, 10.9% in stability, and 9.6% in countermovement jumps. In principal component analysis, we identified four principal components-strength-power, balance, speed-agility, and stiffness-that explained over 80% of the variance. These findings align with previous studies assessing seasonal changes in adolescent soccer players, showing that the proposed test battery seems to be adequate to highlight physical performance changes and provide coaches with meaningful data to customize training and reduce injury rates.

Evaluation of hop tests based on Y-Balance test and FMS test outcomes in volleyball and basketball players to identify those prone to injury: a potential predictor of injury

BackgroundThe quest for a reliable and effective method to identify athletes at risk of injury holds the promise of significantly reducing injury rates and improving overall athletic performance. This research delved into the relationship between the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y-Balance Test (YBT), and Hop tests (Side hop, Medial triple hop, and Lateral step-down hop), aiming to determine the potential in predicting injuries of hop tests among division 1 volleyball and basketball players.MethodsThis research was conducted with fifty-two participants from the Division 1 league, encompassing both volleyball and basketball players. The study rigorously employed the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), the Y-Balance Test (YBT), and various hop tests (side hop test, medial triple hop test, lateral step-down hop) to measure relevant variables. The data analysis used logistic regression, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the study.ResultsResults showed no significant relationship between FMS and Hop test for predicting injuries, but there was a relationship between ΔY and side hop that shows side hop test can predict injury, but there was no relationship between Lateral step down, Medial triple hop, and ΔY.ConclusionsBased on our findings, side hop, despite the medial triple hop and lateral step-down test, can be used as a sports injury predictor.

Exploring the Impact of Organizational Initiatives on Work Environment Safety and Health for Public Health

Workplace safety and health efforts in public health are organizational endeavours that include practices, policies, and interventions intended to reduce hazards, enhance well-being, and guarantee adherence to health and safety laws.We provide the findings from a phone conversation and in-person interviews with 286 manufacturing companies.We carried out a cross-sectional study of the attitudes, behaviours, and policies related to health and safety at work. All company types were subjected to analyses using data from the Lost Time Injury frequency rate (LTIFR). Paternalistic efforts, the documentation of occupational safety and public health (OSPH) measures, more worker participation in making decisions, and enhancing managerial perspectives about the importance of OSPH were all linked to very low LTIFR. The results show the advantages of a proactive strategy for developing a culture of wellness and security in public health contexts and emphasize the crucial role that organizational commitment plays in establishing safer and healthier workplaces.In conclusion, safer workplaces are characterized by worker and management engagement in OSPH activities. Additionally, there is a correlation between reduced injury rates and management's overall concern for OSPH, as demonstrated by both attitudes and practical actions.

Ergonomics and health risk awareness of workers involved in manual material handling at Sabon Gari Market in Zaria, Nigeria

This study assessed the manual handling of materials in a local market environment and evaluated workers’ awareness of ergonomics and health risks. Of 315 workers surveyed, 308 responded. The findings revealed a high prevalence rate of 96.4% for injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort, attributed to a low ergonomics and health risk awareness rate of only 6.8%. Consequently, 75% of workers resorted to self-medication or drug abuse for relief. The study also explored barriers to using engineering equipment, finding that 26.3% of respondents cited cost as a barrier, while 51% believed that the introduction of engineering equipment would lead to job loss. This research is valuable for practitioners and researchers as it highlights the current state of ergonomics and health risk awareness among workers who handle heavy loads. The study also highlights the need for improved ergonomic practices and health risk awareness to reduce injury rates and promote safer work environments.

Exploring Injury Prevention Strategies for Futsal Players: A Systematic Review.

Futsal carries a high risk of injury for players. This systematic review aimed to assess the existing literature on injury prevention strategies for futsal players. The literature was searched using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to 20 March 2024. Relevant articles were searched using the terms "futsal" AND "injury" AND "prevention". Fourteen studies were included in the review. The review identified several injury prevention strategies with potential benefits for futsal players. Structured warm-up routines were shown to improve balance and eccentric strength and to reduce total, acute, and lower limb injuries. Proprioceptive training methods were suggested to improve joint stability and landing mechanics, which may reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, multicomponent methods that include components such as core stability and flexibility have shown potential for reducing injury rates in futsal players. Finally, by reducing fatigue and improving movement control, strength training procedures designed to correct muscular imbalances may improve performance, which may ultimately minimize the risk of injury. This systematic review demonstrates the potential benefits of different injury prevention strategies for futsal players. The combination of several strategies, such as proprioceptive training, multicomponent programs, warm-up routines, and strength training specifically designed to address muscular imbalances, appears promising.

Повышение надежности человеческого фактора как перспектива развития культуры безопасности в производственной деятельности энергетического комплекса ОАО «РЖД»

The criticality of improving the reliability of the human factor in the production safety culture of the JSC RZhD energy complex remains relevant. In order to resolve the issue, the analysis of various acceptable and applied psychological, managerial, and economic measures has been conducted. Measures to reduce the occupational injury rate and develop the occupational safety culture in JSC RZhD have been considered. Specific attention has been paid to the comprehensive approach that covers psychological, managerial, and economic measures. The rapid development of technologies and changing requirements in the sphere of occupational safety prioritize such aspects as professionalism, discipline, motivation for work, and compliance with instruction requirements. Specific methods, including visual information, organizational measures, improving working conditions, and training formats via improving training programs have been provided. Practical examples of the successful use of such measures in the production environment have been considered by using the example of the Power Supply Directorate of the Southeastern Railway where high-risk jobs remain specific. Various measures of encouragement and motivation for employees facilitate the significant improvement of working conditions and the reduction of injury rate. Additionally, the analysis of methods to raise employees’ awareness regarding the importance of compliance with safety rules through regular training and seminars as well as the implementation of a feedback system to ensure prompt identification and elimination of potential threats has been conducted. These measures demonstrate high efficiency and ensure further successful development of the company not only by facilitating the increase of occupational safety level and the reduction of injury rate indices but also by establishing a safety culture among employees, which ultimately affects the total production performance and reputation of JSC RZhD.

Occupational percutaneous injuries and exposures at a dental teaching institution from 2017 to 2023

Background: All dental professionals face the risk of occupational percutaneous injuries and exposures. Previous studies have reported high incidents of percutaneous injuries among dentists. This study examined injury data over six years at a large teaching institution for trends to increase awareness and to design appropriate interventions to reduce injury rates. Method: Study injury data was collected for the department of employee and occupational health. The data was entered into an electronic incident reporting system from 2017-2023. Statistical analysis was performed with Openepi to determine injury trend by year and overall association by activity type. Result: There was a total of 168 injuries reported between 2017 and 2023. A majority of the injuries (54%) were caused by a needle or sutures followed by instruments at 41%. Most of the injuries (44%) occurred during treatment and while cleaning the surgical spaces at 15%. Only 13% of the injuries were attributed to handling or recapping needles. Chi-square test 0.2618 (p&gt;.05) indicated there was no significant difference between years and number of injuries. Overall chi-square p ( &lt; 0 .001) by activity type was significant indicating risk was not equal across all activities. Conclusion: Injuries declined during COVID-19 but soared back up in 2023. Needles, sutures, and instruments were the predominant source of injuries. Injuries occurred during treatment (43%), while cleaning the surgical space (15%) and while recapping or handling needles (13%). This study is the first step in understanding the trend and factors attributing to injuries to implement appropriate corrective actions. Further analysis should be conducted to identify specific procedures or clinical activities exposing employees to Occupational percutaneous injuries.

Examination of the Augmented Reality Exercise Monitoring System as an Adjunct Tool for Prospective Teacher Trainers

This study explores the effectiveness of exercise monitoring systems in improving athlete performance and motivation within educational settings. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested: one positing that the utilization of exercise monitoring systems would reduce muscle injury rates among athletes, and the other suggesting that it would increase athletes' motivation levels. The experimental design involved dividing participants into experimental and control groups, with the former utilizing the proposed exercise monitoring system and the latter employing traditional teaching methods. Assessments were conducted post-session to measure comprehension and motivation levels, with evaluation criteria focusing on the accurate identification of course components. Contrary to expectations, the results did not support the hypotheses, indicating no significant reduction in muscle injury rates or increase in motivation levels among athletes exposed to the monitoring system. These findings underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of the complex factors influencing athlete development and performance outcomes. Future research should employ rigorous methodologies and objective outcome measures to further elucidate the role of exercise monitoring systems in athlete development and optimize their integration into training programs, thus contributing to advancements in athlete performance and motivation in educational contexts. Keywords: exercise monitoring system, real-time feedback, athlete performance, innovative instructional approaches, motivation, muscle injury, educational technology, fitness training.

Practitioners’ perspective of non-contact injury risk factors and injury prevention programming in professional North American male soccer

ObjectiveTo evaluate non-contact injury prevention strategies of professional men's soccer clubs in elite North American league soccer. To understand the application, perceived effectiveness and barriers to implementation. DesignOnline cross-Sectional Study. SettingNorth American elite soccer teams. Participants96 medical and performance support staff of elite North American teams. Main outcome measureThe survey consisted of 20 questions and captured 1) practitioners' demographics; 2) perceptions of risk factors; 3) the use of assessment and monitoring strategies; and 4) perceptions of the implementation of injury prevention programmes’. ResultsInjury prevention programmes were perceived as ‘effective’ (Median 4, Interquartile range 4-4) and reduced injury rates (n = 94, 98%, 95 CI% 93 to 99). A range of potential risk factors were rated as “very important” (4.58 ± 0.52 Likert scale points; mean ± standard deviation). A multi-disciplinary approach to the design, application and monitoring of programmes was generally adopted. Competing training priorities (n = 75, 78%, 95 CI% 69 to 85) and game schedules (n = 71, 74%, 95 CI% 64 to 82) were the most prevalent barriers to injury prevention implementation. ConclusionsInjury prevention programmes were perceived as effective in reducing non-contact injuries. Managing the conflicting priorities between scheduling training, tactical and conditioning goals were considered the key barriers to desired implementation.

Efficacy of multicomponent interventions on injury risk among ice and snow sports participants—a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundIce and snow sports, which are inherently high risk due to their physically demanding nature, pose significant challenges in terms of participant safety. These activities increase the likelihood of injuries, largely due to reduced bodily agility and responsiveness in cold, often unpredictable winter environments. The critical need for effective injury prevention in these sports is emphasized by the considerable impact injuries have on the health of participants, alongside the economic and social costs associated with medical and rehabilitative care. In the context of ice and snow sports environments, applying the E principles of injury prevention to evaluate intervention measures can guide the implementation of future sports safety and other health promotion intervention measures in this field. When well executed, this approach can substantially reduce both the frequency and severity of injuries, thereby significantly enhancing the safety and long-term viability of these challenging sports.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to rigorously assess and statistically substantiate the efficacy of diverse injury prevention strategies in ice and snow sports, aiming to bolster future safety measures with solid empirical evidence.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsThe overarching aim of this research was to meticulously aggregate and scrutinize a broad spectrum of scholarly literature, focusing on the quantifiable efficacy of diverse, multicomponent intervention strategies in mitigating the incidence of injuries within the realm of ice and snow sports. This endeavour entailed an exhaustive extraction of data from esteemed academic databases, encompassing publications up to September 30, 2023. In pursuit of methodological excellence and analytical rigor, the study employed advanced bias assessment methodologies, notably the AMSTAR 2 and GRADE approaches, alongside sophisticated random-effects statistical modelling. This comprehensive approach was designed to ensure the utmost validity, reliability, and scholarly integrity of the study’s findings.ResultsFifteen papers, including 9 randomized controlled trials, 3 case‒control studies, and 3 cohort studies with 26,123 participants and 4,382 injuries, were analysed. The findings showed a significant reduction in injury rates through various interventions: overall injury prevention (RR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.42–0.63), educational training (RR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.34–0.73), educational videos (RR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.34–0.81), protective equipment (RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.46–0.87), and policy changes (RR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.16–0.49). Subgroup analysis revealed potential heterogeneity in compliance (p = 0.347). Compared to controls, multicomponent interventions effectively reduced injury rates.ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that multicomponent interventions significantly prevent injuries in ice and snow sports. By applying the E principles of injury prevention and constructing a framework for practical injury prevention research in ice and snow sports, we can gradually shift towards a systemic paradigm for a better understanding of the development and prevention of sports injuries. Moreover, sports injury prevention is a complex and dynamic process. Therefore, high-quality experiments in different scenarios are needed in future research to provide more reliable evidence, offer valuable and relevant prevention information for practitioners and participants, and help formulate more effective preventive measures in practice.

Effectiveness of exercise-based sports injury prevention programmes in reducing injury rates in adolescents and their implementation in the community: a mixed-methods systematic review

ObjectiveDespite evidence supporting the efficacy of sport injury prevention programmes (SIPPs) in adolescents, implementation of SIPPs in community settings is low. This review aims to synthesise and integrate evidence on...

Design, Fabrication, and Validation of a Portable Perturbation Treadmill for Balance Recovery Research.

Trips and falls are a major concern for older adults. The resulting injury and loss of mobility can have a significant impact on quality of life. An emerging field of study, known as Perturbation Training, has been shown to reduce injury rates associated with trips and falls in older adults. Treadmills traditionally used for Perturbation Training are large, expensive, and immobile, forcing users to travel long distances to receive care. A portable treadmill would serve a larger portion of the at-risk population than current methods. We developed a portable, low-cost, twin-belt perturbation treadmill capable of high-intensity Perturbation Training. Belt speeds are controlled by a custom mechanical and software interface, allowing operators with no programming experience to control the device. The treadmill can accommodate users up to 118 kg and provides a maximum acceleration and speed of 12 m/s2 and 3.3 m/s, respectively, under full load. The total weight is 180 kg, and the treadmill can be moved like a wheelbarrow, with handles in the back and wheels in the front. The prototype was validated with mechanical and human participant testing, showing it as a viable device for Perturbation Training. In this paper, we will go over the design, fabrication, and validation processes used to create the Portable Perturbation Treadmill.

О методическом обеспечении совершенствования государственного надзора за состоянием промышленной безопасности на объектах ведения горных работ, металлургических производств и обращения взрывчатых материалов

Since the 2000s, the activities of the state supervision over industrial safety at hazardous production facilities of mining and metallurgical production in Russia have been reoriented. Fiscal methods in control and supervision practices are substituted with preventive measures, which outlines the development of new approaches to the supervision organization. The modern methodology aiming to improve the state mining supervision has been historically based on the Russian system of scientific and technical methods and organizational and administrative measures aiming at sustainable and long-term improvement of industrial safety level at hazardous production facilities of the Russian metallurgical and mining industry in conditions of internal production growth and external sanctions. The long-term experience of ensuring industrial safety at hazardous production facilities of the mining and metallurgical industry provides the key methodological ways to improve the state mining supervision: i.e., verification of reliability of identification of hazardous production facilities; broad public awareness of causes and consequences of accidents and occupational injuries and the necessary preventive measures; identification and elimination of intrasystem shortcomings in the control and supervision activities; updating and improving industrial safety norms and rules. The efficiency of such methods is tested with practical activities and the successful reduction of accident and injury rates at the facilities under supervision. The introduced mandatory requirements as defined based on the results of control and supervision activities and the analysis of accidents and fatal injuries as well as the strict compliance with such requirements have gradually led to the reduction of the accident and injuries level. This can be considered the main achievement of the methodological activity of the organization of the state supervision over the industrial safety condition at the facilities under the supervision. This also indicates the quality of the developed methods of the state supervision and their applicability for the further control, preventive, licensing and permitting, and normative activities. In recent years, new planning and checking methods based on indicators of risk of mandatory industrial safety requirements violation have been developed and implemented.

Difference in Injury Risk between Male and Female Alpine Skiers: Review of the Literature

Alpine skiing is popular at varying levels of competitiveness with many skiers participating recreationally and elite skiers competing in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and combined events in the World Cup and in the Winter Olympic Games. The rate of injury in alpine skiing is high both recreationally and competitively and methods to reduce injury rates are needed. Additionally, it is well-established in other sports that the risk of injury for an athlete varies based on gender. The purpose of this review is to determine how injury risk differs for each gender of alpine skier. Injury rates vary throughout the literature but point towards males being at a higher risk for overall injury and upper body injuries while females are at a higher risk for knee injuries. Even the specific knee injuries for which each gender is at risk varies with medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries more common in males and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries more common in females. More studies are needed to confirm the differences in injury risks and how these risks may differ across levels of competition, thus allowing regulations and injury prevention methods that may be tailored specifically to the injuries an alpine skier is most susceptible to.