NSSS with revealing data on head injuries in alpine skiing and snowboarding
A new study from the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center at NSSS shows that six out of ten head injuries in alpine skiers and snowboarders ancan be prevented by using a ski helmet.
| 22.02.2006 
The study, which was conducted at eight major Norwegian ski resorts during the 2002 winter season, was published in
JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association) 22 February.
Snowboarders running a greater risk
A total of 3277 injured skiers and snowboarders and 2992 noninjured controls where interviewed during the study period.
Injury type, helmet use, age, sex and skill level where among the factors taken into consideration when calculating injury risk.
The results showed that of the 3277 recorded patients, one in six (17.6%) had a head injury. In addition, snowboarders had a50% increased risk of head injuries compared to alpine skiers. Also, younger skiers and snowboarders, males and beginners were at higher risk.
However, the study also documented that helmets protect against head injuries well in all subgroups, snowboarders and skiers, younger and older.
Better role models
Uing aUsing a helmet is mandatory for competitive skiers in World Cup events and the Olympics. But in the absence of clear recommendations from health authorities, ski resorts do not typically require helmets to be used.
The study revealed that in 2002 only 13% in the age group above 20 years used a helmet and only 20% in the age range between 13 and 20 years.
As many as 85% under 13 years used a helmet, which means that helmet use promotion has been successful in children.
- But it is vital that adults set a better example and are aware of their responsibility as role models for teenagers and children, says Bahr. In doing so, they will even protect their own heads.
He hopes that the results of these studies can lead to a policy change at ski resorts worldwide.