Winter Sports Research Articles

Sun-safe behavior and perceptions during winter sports: an Austrian study based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

ABSTRACT As a preventable disease, skin cancer is a public health issue in Austria. Most sun-safety studies focus on people’s activities in summer, but little is known about sun-protective behavior in winter. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examines psychological perceptions among people who engage in winter sports in Austria. Following a TPB-based belief elicitation study, a consequent survey was conducted among 114 participants (51.8% female; M age = 29.54 years) in South Austria. Intention, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and risk perception showed strong and significant associations with sun-safe behavior among people who engage in winter sports. The TPB framework explained a large portion of variance in sun-safe behavior (75%) and intention (73%). Gender differences have been identified in TPB-variables as well as several beliefs. Based on the utility of the TPB, our findings suggest guidelines for sun-safety in winter sports settings. Gender differences are in line with previous research, highlighting the vulnerability of men to sun damage during winter sports.

Effect of picking sequence on thermo-physiological comfort of bilayer woven fabrics

PurposeThis paper aims to develop bilayer woven fabrics with different picking sequences with enhanced comfort without any change in the constituent materials.Design/methodology/approachSix bilayer woven fabrics were produced on Dobby loom with 3/1 twill weave using micro-polyester yarn. Three different picking sequences, i.e. single pick insertion (SPI), double pick insertion (DPI) and three pick insertion (3PI), were used in both face and back layers. The effect of picking sequence on air permeability (AP), volume porosity, thermal resistance and overall moisture management capability (OMMC) of the samples were analyzed.FindingsThe results showed that 3PI–3PI picking sequence gives the highest OMMC, AP and thermal resistance in bilayer woven fabrics and the least results exhibited by SPI–SPI picking sequence.Research limitations/implicationsThis research uses a bilayer woven system that develops channels and trapes the air causing higher thermal resistance; therefore, applicable for winter sports clothing rather than for summer wear. Developed bilayer woven fabrics can be used in winter sportswear to improve the comfort of the wearer and reduce fatigue during activity.Originality/valueAuthors have developed bilayer fabrics by changing the picking sequences, i.e. SPI, DPI and 3PI of weft yarns in both layers and compared their thermo-physiological comfort properties.

Safety Training Monitoring System of Ski Resort Based on Wireless Sensor Network

With the gradual rise in China’s ski industry, skiing is now the most common sport among winter outdoor sports, which is closely related to the origin of safety issues. Based on the ski resort, training is the key to safety detection, only to ensure the safety of training personnel and to maintain the momentum of high-speed development of skiing sports for a long time. The monitoring system plays an important role in the wireless sensor network monitoring system. Common monitoring systems are used for agriculture, smart home, and outdoor environment monitoring systems, most of which are professional fields. Based on the safety of ski resorts, this paper puts forward the research of ski training safety system based on the wireless sensor. In the research of ski training detection system based on the wireless sensor network, first, the safety system of domestic ski resort is analyzed and detailed suggestions are given. Then, this paper studies the routing protocol of wireless communication technology in detail and compares the service life and energy consumption of nodes under the use of two different routing protocols in wireless sensor networks. According to the data experiment in this paper, LEACH-MH protocol has great advantages over the LEACH protocol. The LEACH-MH protocol detects 185 more rounds than the LEACH protocol in the total detection lifetime. In the detection of energy consumption of 100 m ∗ 100 m, the LEACH protocol consumes 50J in 400 rounds, while the LEACH-MH protocol consumes only 50J in 760 rounds.

Flexural characteristics of artificial ice in winter sports rinks: experimental study and nondestructive prediction based on surface hardness method

Flexural characteristics of artificial ice in winter sports rinks: experimental study and nondestructive prediction based on surface hardness method

Static and Dynamic Balance and Injury Prevalence in Snowboard Instructors

Background. Snowboarding is a quite popular winter sport, though associated with the risk of injury.
 Aim: to determine the relationship between sport injuries and static and dynamic balance in snowboard instructors.
 Methods. The study included snowboard instructors from Ontario, Canada. Questionnaires were given before and after the winter season to obtain injury history. Static balance was evaluated with a Wii Balance Board. Dynamic balance was evaluated using the Y balance test. The results were compared between different genders, age and days on-snow per season.
 Results. Male snowboard instructors had, on average, higher static balance scores than the females. Both male and female scores for testing with eyes closed were significantly lower than with eyes open. The female snowboard instructors had, on average, higher dynamic balance scores than the males. However, for eyes closed testing, female snowboarders’ scores were noticeably better than the males’ scores. Nine of out twenty snowboard instructors had sustained one or more injuries in the past snowboarding season. One female and one male sustained two injuries each, and in total there were ten injuries amongst twenty snowboarders.
 Conclusions. There was no significant difference between prevalence of injury and balance amongst different genders.
 Keyword: snowboarding, sports injuries, static balance, dynamic balance.

Clinical features of winter sports injuries: A prospective single center study

Introduction: This study aimed to present the epidemiological and clinical effects of skiing training and use of protective equipment on skiing, sledding and snowboarding injuries. Methods: The patients were evaluated in two groups according to both their skiing experience and use of protective equipment. The characteristics of the patients, such as age, gender, injury area, and injury type were statistically evaluated according to the groups. Results: A total of 191 patients, 68 (35.6%) female and 123 (64.4%) male, were evaluated. There was a significant difference between the patients with and without skiing experience (P=0.001). When the patients were evaluated according to the presence of protective equipment, 25 (59.5%) patients who had no experience did not wear protective equipment, and this rate was statistically significant compared to the experienced group (P=0.001). Concerning the diagnoses of the patients according to injury areas, joint dislocation and soft tissue trauma were mostly detected in the upper extremities, bone fractures in the lower extremities and organ injury in the thorax. Conclusion: Shoulder and wrist traumas were the most common injuries among the patients with previous skiing experience while tibial fractures were mostly seen in those without such experience. Tibia fractures were mostly observed in the patients using protective equipment, and skin incisions in those that did not use protective equipment. Therefore, in winter sports injuries, patients’ skiing experience and protective equipment use should be questioned and more attention should be paid to the above-mentioned injuries.

Developing Sustainable Snow Sports Education Programs for Adolescent Participation

Following Beijing’s winning bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, winter sports have ushered in a great development opportunity for adolescents in China. Beijing initiated the Ice and Snow Sports on Campus Program in 2016, however, one of the challenges is that the lack of quality snow sports instructors and access to ski resorts is limiting sustainable programs. Greek Peak Ski Resort, located in upstate NY, has a successful history of running snow sport educational programs that Beijing may be able to learn from. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the Ice and Snow Sports on Campus Program in Beijing with the snow sports programs at Greek Peak Ski Resort, having a goal to explore sustainable education programs for adolescents. Literature research, program reports, field observation, and interviews with program directors and experts were used in this study to assess and compare the programs in Beijing and Greek Peak Ski Resort. The findings indicated that with the Ice and Snow Sports on Campus Program initiated in 2016 by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, about 2.1 million K-12 students’ participation counts in ice and snow sports have been recorded. In 2021, more than 200 K-12 schools with ice and snow sports specialties were certified in Beijing. A total of 60 model courses with the topic in winter sports and Olympics have been developed to improve ice and snow sports teaching. The strong and historical school skiing program at Greek Peak Ski Resort includes about 55-57 K-12 school programs and 5 college PE programs each year, with an estimated student participation count of 20,000 per year. The collaboration between Greek Peak Ski Resort and local schools/colleges/universities offers sustainable educational programs, benefitting generations of students and all parties involved and efficiently sharing resources. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics provides a rare historical opportunity for multi-level and multi-dimensional cooperation between the sports and educational departments in Beijing. With supporting policies and guidance, the strategic goal of cultivating more young people to participate in winter sports is being achieved. Education programs provide opportunities for adolescents to learn winter sports skills and promote active healthy behavior. The collaboration between local schools, colleges/universities and Greek Peak Resort can be a good solution for Beijing to resolve the critical challenge of lack of quality instructors and easy access to winter sports facilities.

Injuries in Skating and Sledding Winter Sports: Patterns and Imaging Findings.

While skiing and snowboarding are amongst the most common winter sports, skating and sledding activities are also popular for competition or recreation. Related injuries following an acute trauma mainly involve head, spine, upper and lower limbs. For elite athletes, overuse injuries represent a significant burden. In skating, lesions can be related to boot structure and design. This article reviews epidemiology, patterns, and imaging findings of common injuries in ice skating, short track speed skating, curling, luge, bobsleigh, and skeleton.

Winter Sports Issue.

Winter Sports Issue.

Imaging Review of Snowboard Injuries.

Snowboarding and skiing remain the two most popular winter sports worldwide. Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are common in snowboarding, and the number has increased significantly since the advent of snow parks. The number of injuries is the highest for novice snowboarders; more experienced boarders generally sustain more severe injuries. Snowboarders can experience a wide array of MSK injuries, but some injury types are more frequently encountered because of the specific injury mechanism unique to snowboarding. This article reviews the most common snowboarding injuries with a focus on the current understanding of the injury mechanism and provides an approach to imaging.

Imaging Review of Alpine Ski Injuries.

Skiing is a continuously evolving winter sport, responsible for a considerable number of musculoskeletal injuries. Specific injury patterns and mechanisms in the upper and lower extremities, head, and spine are influenced by skier expertise and skill, position during injury, and environmental conditions. Predilection for certain joints and injury patterns have changed over time, largely due to technological advancements in equipment, increased awareness campaigns, and preventive protocols. Knowledge and understanding of these trends and developments can aid the radiologist to reach a timely and accurate diagnosis, thereby guiding clinical management and potentially reducing the overall incidence of debilitation and death.

The Development of College Ice Hockey in China

After winning the right to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, ice hockey has become more popular in colleges in China. However, the challenges to college hockey’s development in China are not surprising as new markets tend to experience struggles due to the fluidity of logics (Thornton & Ocasio, 2008) and issues of establishing legitimacy (Deephouse & Suchman, 2008). Considering this, those hoping to establish new sport institutions within untapped contexts are burdened with the arduous task of simultaneously creating and maintaining institutional structures while working to establish legitimacy (Washington, 2004). In this study, we draw from the concept of institutional work to understand how Chinese collegiate administrations and other relevant stakeholders have created, built, and sustained the emergent ice hockey environment for universities in China. This inquiry was guided by the following research questions: what factors at various institutional levels influenced the development of college ice hockey in China? How did institutional leaders utilize Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics to leverage the development of college ice hockey? To answer these questions, we employed qualitative case study methodology. Primary data were collected through 18 semi-structured interviews with university faculty, student athletes, and administrative officials. Secondary data were collected via archived documents from numerous sources. Data analysis was consistent with the Gioia methodology, wherein we identified first-order concepts, second-order themes, and aggregate theoretical dimensions (Gioia, Corley, & Hamilton, 2012). Preliminary findings suggest the development of college ice hockey in China has framed the development model with opportunities and multiple resources. Organizing capability, the hockey infrastructure, and legitimating issues impacted the development of college ice hockey. The 2022 Winter Olympics is a good opportunity for developing college ice hockey and it is bringing in additional funding and support to college hockey teams and athletes. The development of college ice hockey in China always combines with nationalism, and some student athletes also represent the national team for China. In addition, youth ice hockey development in Beijing and Heilongjiang is providing ice hockey talents for the college hockey teams around China. College ice hockey in China was facing challenges in an environment from different institutional logic orders. This study provides insights into the relationship among the nationalism, Olympics, and the development of winter sport in college. Additionally, this research outlined how public and private actors may work to create new governance structures that may be seen as legitimate.

Prerequisites for the appearance and development of ski marathons visma ski classics

The presented article considers the historical aspects of the formation of skiing, features and prerequisites for the appearance of new disciplines in cross-country skiing on the example of Visma Ski Classics marathons.
 The aim of the research. Identify the prerequisites and analyze the development of ski marathons Visma Ski Classics as a new discipline in cross-country skiing.
 Achieving the goal was ensured by using a number of general scientific research methods. In particular, the analysis and synthesis of theoretical data was chosen because they allowed to describe a relatively wide range of issues in a more diverse way. We took into account the information of sources that were related to various aspects of the preconditions for the appearancence of ski marathons Visma Ski Classics.
 Based on a detailed analysis of scientific and methodological sources and available information on the Internet, it was established that Visma Ski Classics marathon was based on the stages of the Tour de Ski multi-day skiing competition. The basis for which, in its turn, were multi-day cycling competitions, namely Tour de France. This is exactly the positive component in the development and promotion of this sport, because skiing is a conservative sport, as well as most winter sports. In the 100-year history of the International Ski Federation (FIS), few changes have taken place. The modern world requires active change and entertainment. Therefore, many commercial starts began to emerge. One of them is a series of ski marathons Visma Ski Classics.

Serum and sputum MMP-9/TIMP-1 in winter sports athletes and swimmers: relationships with airway function

Introduction Skiers and swimmers present characteristics of airway inflammation and remodelling of the extracellular matrix similar to what is observed in mild asthma. We aimed to compare serum and sputum MMP-9/TIMP-1 levels, to assess the balance between airway fibrogenesis and inflammation process in both categories of athletes, and to observe its seasonal variations in winter sports athletes. Methods We conducted a retrospective study. Winter sports athletes (n = 41), swimmers (n = 25) and healthy nonathletes (n = 10) had blood sampling, lung function measurement, skin prick tests, eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea challenge, methacholine inhalation test, and induced sputum analysis. Twelve winter sport athletes performed the tests during both summer and winter. Serum and sputum biomarkers were measured by ELISA. Results No significant difference in serum or sputum MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was observed between groups, nor relationship with airway function or responsiveness. Serum MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was higher during the summer in winter sport athletes compared with winter season (median [Interquartile range]: 3.65 [2.47-4.03] ng.ml−1 and 1.27 [0.97-1.62] ng.ml−1, respectively, p = 0.005). Sputum MMP-9 correlated with methacholine PC20 (r = 0.45, p = 0.019) and serum cc16/SP-D ratio (r = −0.47, p = 0.013). Conclusion MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in sputum or serum may fluctuate with training or environment but does not correlate with airway function or responsiveness in athletes.

Planning and implementation of event leveraging strategy: China’s legacy pledge to motivate 300 million people to be involved in winter sport

ABSTRACT This paper examines China’s planning and implementation of leveraging, using the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, to achieve the winter sport participation legacy of 300 million people involved in winter sport. Drawing upon interviews and documentary data, the authors findings reveal that the planning of the leveraging programme, which was politically motivated, was a centralised and government-led bid to stimulate participation and consumption within China’s winter sport industry. The leveraging programme also served broader economic, social, and political state agendas. The main implementation pathway relied heavily on the existing structures for the provision of sport and education, and, due to a lack of state resources (or facilities), support was sought from the private sector. This study further suggests that state interference to steer the direction and development of leveraging might have served as a double-edged sword: On the one hand, it provided much government-led impetus for goal setting across sectors and departments, directing extensive cooperative efforts and resources towards leveraging. On the other hand, it might not have been the most sustainable approach for increasing participation, due to the overreliance on top-down implementation and short-term policy interventions.

Promoting Traditional Chinese Winter Sport Participation: Cultural Capital and Demands of Bingxi

As the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games approach, promoting the winter sport participation in China is essential and important. However, most of winter sports participants are one-time player, and it could be due to the lack of winter sports culture in the Chinese public. So, developing and promoting the traditional Chinese winter sports may help managers to build a endogenous winter sport culture. Bingxi is a series of ice sport event in ancient China, which is the one of the most representative traditional Chinese sports, which is unique in Chinese history. The present study applied a historical method to explore the three forms of cultural capital in Bingxi. And developed a Demands Scale for Cultural Capital in Bingxi (DSCCB) to measure the participation demands in Bingxi of different group people. Residents (n=621) of Shenyang (capital city in Qing Dynasty) participated in this study. Discussions are centered on the target group of the three forms of cultural capital in Bingxi, and offer a proposal for promoting Bingxi in the future.

Measurement of ice friction and aerodynamic drag for sliding on ice: Faster sliding in winter sports

This Method Article is co-submitted with the article Nr. JTRI_106967 in “Tribology International”. In the article we investigate the reasons behind a change in friction coefficient at low sliding velocities for a skeleton on ice. To complete the study a numerical model was created with air drag and the coefficient of friction in an equation representing sliding on ice. An experiment with two measurement systems, timing sensors on an ice track and a portable accelerometer at the base of the skeleton, was performed. A numerical model was amended with experimental data. Finally, changes of friction coefficient were analyzed, the difference in results provided by experiment and numerical calculations were illustrated, and conditions at the start when static friction transitioned to kinetic friction highlighted. The main findings about the methods used were as follows:• Portable accelerometer helped to define the speed for transition to smooth sliding;• The numerical model of time and velocity had greater error;• The numerical model of distance and velocity was very close to experimental results.

Research on the teaching principles and strategies of physical education in winter primary schools

Winter physical education in northeast China has always been a topic. With the onset of winter, it brings new challenges to the primary school physical education class. This paper discusses the principles of teaching flexibility, classroom safety, load moderation, student fun, and temperature adaptability to be followed in winter primary school physical education classes. In order to ensure the smooth development of winter physical education classes, meet the needs of enhancing students' physical health, and improve the interest of primary school students in winter sports, sports games and special courses can be integrated to comprehensively improve the teaching quality of winter primary school physical education classes. This paper proposes that winter physical education should be based on the interest group model; Use sports games to effectively stimulate fun; Improve quality and efficiency with special physical education classes; Broadening horizons with off-campus outreach is the teaching strategy of winter physical education classes. It is hoped that the content of this paper will have reference value for winter physical education.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ И ПРИОРИТЕТЫ ВОЕННО-ФИЗКУЛЬТУРНОЙ И ПАТРИОТИЧЕСКОЙ РАБОТЫ В ПИОНЕРСКОЙ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ В 40–50-Е ГОДЫ XX ВЕКА

The purpose of the article is to analyze the regional features of military physical education and patriotic work in a pioneer organization in the 40-50s of the 20th century. The article discusses the features and priorities of military physical education and patriotic work in a pio-neer organization, based on the analysis of the materi-als of the Congresses of the Komsomol, Plenums, meetings of the Bureau, the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Komsomol, the Central Council of the Pioneer Organization named after V.I. Lenin to solve these problems. On the example of Oryol region, the authors consider the main areas of this work, including war games, excursions; autumn, winter, spring and summer mass military sports competitions; solemn processions of pioneers to memorials of glory; work of local history circles.

アルペンスキー選手のターン動作の定量評価及びスキーブーツの調整に関する検討

Research Center for Winter Sports Science of Kitami Institute of Technology was established in 2016. Curling and alpine skiing are researched at this center located in a snowy and heavy cold area. In research on alpine skiing, we are conducting experiments to adjust the ski boots and improve their skills of Japanese skiers. Previous experimental studies have shown that the large inclination angle and a fast inclination angular velocity during turns have a great influence on the improvement of downhill speed in alpine skiing (2) ~ (5). Furthermore, it has been found that attaching parts to the underside of the footbed inside the ski boot changes the inclination angle and inclination angular velocity. In this study, we used the ski simulator "SkyTech" at this center and "the real-time experimental data collection system" with a pressure sensor and the inclination angle measuring devices, and performed an experiment to adjustment of depression angle. And we calculated the parameters for evaluating the athletes’ turn movements from the obtained experimental data, and investigated the quantitative evaluation of alpine skiers’ skill of turning motion.