Make sure your winter fun is not a wipe out

By Veronique HauschildJanuary 19, 2016

Make sure your winter fun is not a wipe out
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Make sure your winter fun is not a wipe
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Make sure your winter fun is not a wipe out
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The silver lining to the shorter, colder days of winter is the SNOW and the outdoor sports activities that are typically reserved for this time of year. Winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, sledding and ice-skating provide fun, excitement, fresh air and good exercise for all ages.

Unfortunately, every year these winter activities result in hundreds of thousands of injuries as well as many deaths in the U.S. Injuries occur in both recreational and professional athletes alike. The growing popularity of skiing and snowboarding are now a focus of scientific study as emergency rooms see increases in the numbers and severity of injuries. A recent study of fall-related injuries in the active duty Army showed that snowboarding and skiing were the leading sports causing such injuries. Many of the injuries occurred during military-unit organized events. Military personnel need to be aware of the injury types, factors that increase risk of injury and the ways to reduce chances of injury.

Injury types

A particular concern is that at least 15 to 20 percent of winter sports injuries involve head trauma, including concussions and mild to severe traumatic brain injuries. Injuries to the head and spine are ones that are most commonly associated with fatalities. Two-thirds of the head injuries are estimated to be mild TBIs. Overall, bone fractures are the most frequently reported type of injury associated with winter sports. During skiing, injuries to the lower parts of the leg and foot - including knee and ankle - are most common. These include fractures as well as sprains or ligament tears in joints such as thumbs or the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. Snowboard fractures are more often to the wrist and hand, as well as arm and clavicle. Some data suggests possible long term impairments from winter sports injuries.

Cold weather injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia are also reported - especially in conjunction with snowmobiling injuries when accidents can occur in unpatrolled or monitored areas. Other conditions considered less severe, but which can still limit further activity and require extended rest, include muscle strains and soreness, dehydration, snow blindness and sunburn.

Factors associated with injury risk

Several studies evaluated winter sports injuries for potential factors associated with higher risk of injury or greater injury severity. Because skiing and snowboarding are associated with the highest numbers of severe injuries they are the most studied. The numbers and severity of injuries appear higher at the start of the season. Recreational skiers and snowboarders are more likely to experience more severe injuries than those experienced by professionals. However, even today's professionals experience injuries requiring four to six weeks of recovery. More males experience injuries than females, especially those in their late teens to mid-twenties. Though nuances of the type of skiing or snowboarding such as speed races, freestyle, snowboard cross have some different patterns of injury types, increased risks appear more associated with improper use or lack of protective equipment and exceeding one's experience or skill level.

Reducing your chance of injury

Though there are risks, winter sports can be an exhilarating and fun form of healthy exercise. It is important to do what you can to reduce the risk of incurring winter sports-related injuries by following best practice guidelines below.

• Wear a helmet since these are the primary evidence-supported means to reduce risk of severe head injuries.

• Wear wrist guards - especially snowboarding - to reduce risk of wrist fractures.

• Wear other appropriate clothing/equipment such as boots and goggles.

• Check that equipment works before each use - test your board or ski bindings.

• Know your level of experience/skill and knowledge of terrain.

- Seek proper training or certifications.

- Try more complicated slopes or techniques only after practicing.

- If at a new location, start slow and easy until terrain is familiar.

• Be wary of poor trail design or unknown, unmaintained areas.

- Use official designated groomed and patrolled trails and sports areas as opposed to 'backyard' private lands.

- Be aware that even some maintained slopes or trails may have "black spots," areas known for conditions that have resulted in repeated or high numbers of injuries - merging slopes, narrowing or sharp turning trail and poor grooming.

• Physically condition your body, if new to the sport, at the start of the season or when attempting new techniques or equipment.

- Do exercises to prepare your body for the less stable lower body movements required of many winter sports. Examples include lower body muscle exercises - squats and lunges, balance - stability balls, wobble boards and agility moves - shuttle drills.

- Slowly progress in level of intensity, time and ensure rest breaks.

• Be prepared by following the above guidance and also remember to:

- Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and dry, including socks and gloves and replace wet items or layers as soon as possible.

- Use sun protection - UVA/UVB sunglasses, SPF15+ for exposed skin and lips.

- Stay hydrated.

- Keep a phone/radio as a means to contact help.

• Be a good leader.

- Emphasize the safe practices described above.

- Enforce use of proper procedures and use of protective gear.

For more information, contact the Army Public Health Center's Injury Prevention Program at usarmy.apg.medcom-phc.mbx.injuryprevention@mail.mil.

Related Links:

Army Public Health Center (Provisional)