Original scientific paper
Balance as a Risk Factor for Injury Occurrence in Recreative Skiing
Jerko Prlić
; Orthopaedic clinic, University clinical hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Maki Grle
; Orthopaedic clinic, University clinical hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Goran Moro
; Orthopaedic clinic, University clinical hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ivana Grle
; Orthopaedic clinic, University clinical hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of intervention based on the analysis of the static and dynamic balance status in order to reduce the probability of skiing injuries in adult beginners. In addition, we also analyzed the incidence of injury during initial training in alpine skiing. The subjects were recreational skiers aged from 20 to 25 years (287 subjects; 214 men and 73 women). The experimental group (E) consisted of 146 subjects out of whom 104 were men and 42 women. The control group (C) was made up of 110 men and 31 women, a total of 141 subjects. Independent variables included data on basic anthropometric measures and balance status parameters that were obtained using the Biodex Balance System. The dependent variables in the study included injury incidence or more specifically: number (frequency) of injuries, injury location (region of the body), and injury severity (mild, severe…). Both groups had a 6-day ski training program. Prior to the program, the E-Group was tested for balance, and the subjects with a relative balance insufficiency were identified. These subjects attended a special ski training program with reduced volume and work intensity (20–30% less intensive than other subjects). The data about subjects’ injuries were prospectively obtained. The χ2 test for independent samples was used for the analysis of the differences in the injury incidence between the E and C-Group, 18.5% of subjects from the E-Group suffered minor injuries as well as 24.8% of subjects from the C-Group. In the E-Group, 1.3% of them suffered serious injuries same as 2.8% of subjects from the C-Group, (p < 0.05). Contusions account for the largest number of injuries and they are followed by strains (sprains) and front knee pain. A total of one fracture was recorded in each Group, followed by three dislocations, four lacerations and one brain concussion. Hips/the gluteal region was the most frequently injured locality in minor injuries. There was one fracture of the fist, and in one case a rupture occurred. Dislocations were recorded in the shoulder, and twice in the fingers. The injury incidence is lower than that reported so far (2 to 2.5 injuries in 1000 skiing days). The main reason for this difference is to be found in the level of training, proper equipment control and in the methodological advantages of the study. The data suggest that the experimental program had a significant effect on the reduction of injuries during ski training. The conducted intervention was especially efficient in terms of the reduction of serious injuries. The effects, however, relatively failed to occur in terms of the differential effect of gender of the subjects. The study points to the importance of a precise, complete and quality training in recreational skiing.
Keywords
alpine; recreational skiing; injuries; balance; prevention
Hrčak ID:
225662
URI
Publication date:
24.6.2019.
Visits: 593 *