Modelling performance with exponential functions in elite short-track speed skaters.

Mathematical models are used to describe and predict the effects of training on performance. The initial models are structured by impulse-type transfer functions, however, cellular adaptations induced by exercise may exhibit exponential kinetics for their growth and subsequent dissipation. Accumulation of exercise bouts counteracts dissipation and progressively induces structural and functional changes leading to performance improvement. This study examined the suitability of a model with exponential terms (Exp-Model) in elite short-track speed (ST) skaters. Training loads and performance evolution from fifteen athletes (10 males, 5 females) were previously collected over a 3-month training period. Here, we computed the relationship between training loads and performance with Exp-Model and compared with previous results obtained with a variable dose-response model (Imp-Model). Exp-Model showed a higher correlation between actual and modelled performances (R2 = 0.83 ± 0.08 and 0.76 ± 0.07 for Exp-Model and Imp-Model, respectively). Concerning model parameters, a higher τA1 (time constant for growth) value was found (p = 0.0047; d = 1.4; 95% CI [0.4;1.9]) in males compared to females with Exp-model, suggesting that females have a faster adaptative response to training loads. Thus, according to this study, Exp-model may better describe training adaptations in elite ST athletes than Imp-Model.

Managing head injury risks in competitive skateboarding: what do we know?

OBJECTIVES: The broad objective of this paper is to inform policy, practice and research regarding the management of head injury risks in competitive skateboarding. The main motivation for the current study was the question of mandating helmet use in competitive skateboarding. The specific aims are to present current knowledge on (A) head injury risks in skateboarding, (B) preliminary biomechanical data on falls and head injury risks in a selection of competitive skateboarding events similar to those planned for the Summer Olympics, (C) standards for skateboard-styled helmets and (D) impact performance of helmets commonly used in skateboarding. METHODS: A narrative review of the published literature on head injuries in skateboarding was conducted. Videos of skateboarding competitions from Vans Park Professional League, Street League Skateboarding and Dew Tour were reviewed to describe crashes and falls. Standards databases including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), British Standards Institution (BSI), Snell, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) were searched for skateboarding-styled helmet standards. A sample of helmets considered suitable for skateboarding was tested in standard impact tests. RESULTS: The majority of previous literature focused on the paediatric population in a recreational setting with little data from competitive skateboarding. Head injuries comprised up to 75% of all injuries and helmet use was less than 35%. Video analysis identified high rates of falls and crashes during competitive skateboarding, but also a capacity for the athletes to control falls and limit head impacts. Less than 5% of competitive skateboarders wore helmets. In addition to dedicated national skateboard helmet standards, there are several national standards for skateboard-styled helmets. All helmets, with the exception of one uncertified helmet, had similar impact attenuation performance; that is, at 0.8 m drop height, 114-148 g; at 1.5 m, 173-220 g; and at 2.0 m, 219-259 g. Impact performance in the second impact was degraded in all helmets tested. CONCLUSION: Helmets styled for skateboarding are available 'off the shelf' that will offer protection to the head against skull fractures and intracranial injuries in competitive skateboarding. There is an urgent need to commence a programme of research and development to understanding and control head injury risks.

Perfil de composición corporal en niños y jóvenes patinadores de velocidad sobre ruedas / Body Composition Profile of Children and Youth Speed Skaters

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el perfil de composición corporal en niños y jóvenes patinadores de velocidad sobre ruedas. Se evaluaron, longitudinalmente, 516 deportistas (361 Femeninos y 155 Masculinos) con edades comprendidas entre 5 y 21 años, patinadores de velocidad sobre ruedas, pertenecientes a clubes oficiales en Colombia y Venezuela. Las variables antropométricas se tomaron de acuerdo a lo dispuesto por ISAK, utilizando el calibrador Holtain (c) para los pliegues cutáneos (tríceps, muslo anterior y pierna medial) y la cinta Sanny (c) para los perímetros (brazo relajado, muslo medio y pierna). El tratamiento para la estimación del porcentaje de grasa (%G) y de masa muscular (%MM) se ejecutó bajo el protocolo del GREC y procesados mediante el SPSS 24.0. Los resultados apuntan hacia la existencia de diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) entre sexos para el %G y el %MM. Para el desarrollo del perfil se utilizó la metodología de curvas suavizadas con la aplicación del software LMS Chart Maker (c) y generar puntos de corte para los percentiles 3, 10, 75, 90 y 97. Se concluye, que la clasificación para la composición corporal propuesta, sin pretender ser una norma única para establecer la tipificación del estatus de la composición corporal de un patinador, permite distinguir y categorizar con rigurosidad y objetividad, las características de la composición corporal de los patinadores independientemente de la edad y nivel competitivo. Se recomienda al presente trabajo como punto de partida a futuros estudios en poblaciones más amplias, con muestreo probabilístico y origen étnico establecido

The aim of this work was to determine the body composition profile of children and young roller skaters. 516 athletes (361 males and 155 females) between the ages of 5 and 21 years old, who belong to official clubs in Colombia and Venezuela, were evaluated longitudinally. The anthropometric variables were taken according to ISAK, using the Holtain(c) caliper for the skin folds (triceps, anterior thigh and medial leg) and the Sanny(c) tape for the perimeters (relaxed arm, medial thigh and leg). The treatment for the estimation of the percentage of body fat (%F) and muscle mass (%MM) was performed under the protocol of the GREC and processed by means of SPSS 24.0. The results point to the existence of significant differences (p < 0.05) between sexes for %F and %MM. For the development of the profile the methodology of smoothed curves was used with the application of the software LMS Chart Maker(c) and to generate cut points for the percentiles 3, 10, 75, 90 and 97. It is concluded, that the classification for the proposed body composition, without trying to be a unique norm to establish the typification of the status of the body composition of a skater, allows to distinguish and to categorize with rigor and objecti-vity, the characteristics of the body composition of the skaters independently of the age and competitive level. This work is recommended as a starting point for future studies in larger populations with established probability sampling and ethnicity

Changes in technique throughout a 1500-m speed skating time-trial in junior elite athletes: Differences between sexes, performance levels and competitive seasons.

Speed skating is a technical endurance sport. Still, little is known about technical changes in junior speed skaters. Therefore, changes in technique throughout a 1500-m time-trial of elite junior speed skaters is investigated to explore differences between sexes, performance levels and competitive seasons. At (inter)national 1500-m competitions, knee and push-off angles were obtained for 120 elite junior speed skaters (56 female, 64 male, age 17.6±1.1 years) per lap at 250m (lap 1), 650m (lap 2), 1050m (lap 3) and 1450m (lap 4). Additionally, 1500m end-times and lap-times were obtained to divide skaters in faster and slower performance groups and to analyze pacing behavior. Fifteen skaters (8 female, 7 male, age 17.3±1.5 years) were measured again after 1.6±0.6 years. (Repeated measures) ANOVAs were used for statistical analyses (p<0.05). ICC, determined in a pilot study, was 0.55 for knee and 0.76 for push-off angles. Elite junior speed skaters increased their knee angles throughout the race (p<0.005), regardless of sex (p = 0.110) or performance level (p = 0.714). Push-off angles increased from lap 1-3 (p<0.001), in which men showed a larger decay than female skaters (p<0.05), this holds for both performance groups (p = 0.103). Faster skaters had smaller knee and push-off angles than slower skaters (p<0.05). Males showed smaller body angles than females (p<0.001). Faster male and female skaters showed a relative slower start and faster lap 3 compared to slower skaters (p<0.05). Development over competitive seasons showed a shift towards smaller push-off angles (p = 0.038) and less decay in knee angles from lap 2-3 (p = 0.026). The present study shows that technique throughout the 1500m deteriorates. Deterioration in technique is regardless of performance level, even with different pacing behaviors. Differences between sexes were found for push-off angles. The longitudinal development suggests changes in technique towards senior level and highlights the importance of studying juniors separate from seniors.

Injuries Associated with Hoverboard Use: A Case Series of Emergency Department Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Since hoverboards became available in 2015, 2.5 million have been sold in the US. An increasing number of injuries related to their use have been reported, with limited data on associated injury patterns. We describe a case series of emergency department (ED) visits for hoverboard-related injuries. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review on patients presenting to 10 EDs in southeastern Virginia from December 24, 2015, through June 30, 2016. We used a free-text search feature of the electronic medical record to identify patients documented to have the word "hoverboard" in the record. We reported descriptive statistics for patient demographics, types of injuries, body injury location, documented helmet use, injury severity score (ISS), length of stay in the ED, and ED charges. RESULTS: We identified 83 patients in our study. The average age was 26 years old (18 months to 78 years). Of these patients, 53% were adults; the majority were female (61.4%) and African American (56.6%). The primary cause of injury was falls (91%), with an average ISS of 5.4 (0-10). The majority of injuries were contusions (37.3%) and fractures (36.1%). Pediatric patients tended to have more fractures than adults (46.2% vs 27.3%). Though 20% of patients had head injuries, only one patient reported using a helmet. The mean and median ED charges were $2,292.00 (SD $1,363.64) and $1,808.00, respectively. Head injuries resulted in a significantly higher cost when compared to other injuries; median cost was $2,846.00. CONCLUSION: While the overall ISS was low, more pediatric patients suffered fractures compared to adults. Documented helmet use was low, yet 20% of our population had head injuries. Further investigation into proper protective gear and training is warranted.

The Season of Hoverboards: A Case Series of Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the types of pediatric orthopedic extremity fractures that are sustained as a result of hoverboard (self-balancing, self-propelling, 2-wheeled boards) use. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all orthopedic consultations from the emergency department at our institution from December 1 to 31, 2015. Data was collected on the injury mechanism, fracture location, management, and patient characteristics including sex, age, and hand dominance. RESULTS: A total of 307 patients with acute extremity injuries were evaluated for a 31-day period. Hoverboard use was identified as the mechanism of injury in 36 patients with 36 fractures (11.7%). The mean age of these 36 patients was 11 years (range, 4-17 y), with most being male (69.4%). There were 35 upper extremity fractures and 1 lower extremity fracture. Eight (22.9%) of the 36 hoverboard patients required closed reduction in the emergency department either under conscious sedation or hematoma block performed with local anesthetic. Four patients (11.1%) required operative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of extremity fractures due to hoverboard riding seen in our emergency department during the holiday season was relatively high compared with other common childhood activities. The vast majority of these fractures involved the upper extremities. A moderate percentage of these injuries required closed reduction in the emergency department or surgical treatment. Additional studies examining the use of protective equipment while riding hoverboards, time from initial hoverboard use to injury, supervision, and the cost of treating these injuries should be conducted to further elucidate the nature of these injuries and work toward prevention.

An Analysis of US Emergency Department Visits From Falls From Skiing, Snowboarding, Skateboarding, Roller-Skating, and Using Nonmotorized Scooters.

We analyzed the US incidence of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for falls from skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, roller-skating, and nonmotorized scooters in 2011. The outcome was hospital admission from the ED. The primary analysis compared pediatric patients aged 1 to 17 years to adults aged 18 to 44 years. The analysis used ICD-9 E-codes E885.0 to E885.4 using discharge data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Approximately 214 000 ED visits met study criteria. Skiing injuries had the highest percentage of hospitalizations (3.30% in pediatric patients and 6.65% in adults 18-44 years old). Skateboard and snowboard injuries were more likely to require hospitalization than roller skating injuries in pediatric patients (odds ratio = 2.42; 95% CI = 2.14-2.75 and odds ratio = 1.83; 95% CI =1.55-2.15, respectively). In contrast, skateboard and snowboard injuries were less severe than roller-skating injuries in adults.

Head injuries in hospital-admitted adolescents and adults with skateboard-related trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To provide new information on properties of skateboarders who were hospital admitted with head injuries with details of the injuries including region of head impact. METHODS: Hospital records of patients aged 15 and older with a skateboard injury admitted to one Level II Trauma Centre during a 10-year period were reviewed. Data on demographic, exposure, severity, diagnostic and clinical factors for patients with head injury (HI) and without HI (N-HI) were compared analytically. RESULTS: While there were no differences for patients with HI and N-HI by age, gender, mechanism of injury or alcohol use, patients with HI were more severely injured. Although significantly more head impacts occurred to the occipital region of the head, haematomas and/or contusions were much more likely to occur in the frontal region of the brain. Acute neurosurgical intervention was needed in 14% of HI skateboarders. CONCLUSION: Skateboarding is not an innocuous recreational activity, with head injury present in 75% of patients who were hospital-admitted. Pre-hospital treatment protocols should be aware of this growing injured population. Falls while on a skateboard lead to impacts to the back of head with a contra-coup brain injury resulting in severe and sometimes fatal outcomes. The very low prevalence of helmet use among skateboarders with head injuries indicates that greater efforts should be directed toward incentives for their use.

The implementation of a municipal indoor ice skating helmet policy: effects on helmet use, participation and attitudes.

RELEVANT LOCAL INJURY EPIDEMIOLOGY: In Ottawa, between 2005 and 2009 there was an annual average of 47.2 head injuries due to ice skating in children and youth (1-19 years of age) requiring a visit to the emergency department, with the highest rates among those aged 5-14 years. Between 2002 and 2007, only 6% of children were wearing a helmet during ice skating when the head injury occurred. During indoor public skating sessions, 93% of children (<10 years)-57% aged 10-12 years, 20% aged 13-17 years and 9% adults-wore helmets in the absence of a policy. Support for a helmet policy was high from public health, medical, political and community perspectives. BEST PRACTICE: Helmet policies in relation to cycling have demonstrated increases in helmet use and reduction of head injuries without decreasing physical activity. However, no known studies have examined the effect of indoor ice skating helmet policy coupled with education and promotional activities on helmet use, participation and attitudes towards helmet use. IMPLEMENTATION: An ice skating helmet policy for children (<11 years of age) and those with limited skating experience at indoor rinks during public skating sessions was developed, implemented and evaluated. Supportive activities such as discount coupons, promotional materials, a media launch, social marketing and staff training are described. DISCUSSION: The helmet policy was associated with increased helmet use for young children and for older children, youth and adults not included in the policy, without decreasing attendance to public skating sessions.

Injuries and helmet use related to non-motorized wheeled activities among pediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: Patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) for injuries resulting from recreational activities represent a unique source of information on important directions for injury prevention efforts. We describe the epidemiology of non-motorized wheeled activity-related injury in pediatric patients presenting to Canadian EDs as well as patients' helmet use. METHODS: Data for the years 2004 to 2009 were abstracted from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), a national ED injury surveillance program in fifteen hospitals. RESULTS: Most of the 28 618 children aged 1 to 16 years injured during non-motorized wheeled activities were injured while cycling, followed by skateboarding. Most injuries occurred among boys. Children injured on scooters tended to be younger whereas skateboarders were the oldest. On average, the number of all injuries decreased by 6% over the time period. Falls were the most common mechanism of injury; 8.3% of patients had head injuries, which were seen more often among cyclists than other wheeled-activity users. Helmet use was greatest among cyclists (62.2%) and lowest among skateboarders (32.9%). Injured patients presenting to EDs in jurisdictions with legislation mandating helmet use had 2.12 greater odds of helmet use and 0.86 lesser odds of head injury compared with those presenting in jurisdictions without helmet laws. CONCLUSION: These results provide further evidence that legislation mandating helmet use may be an effective way of reducing injury among all wheeled-activity users. The small number of patients who presented with helmet use and protective gear (59.4% overall) suggests that this remains an area for intervention.

TITRE: Blessures et port du casque au cours d'activités non motorisées sur roues chez des patients pédiatriques. INTRODUCTION: Les patients qui se présentent aux urgences en raison de traumatismes subis au cours d'activités récréatives constituent une source d'information unique qui peut orienter de manière déterminante les interventions visant à prévenir les blessures. Nous décrivons ici l'épidémiologie des blessures associées aux activités non motorisées sur roues chez les patients pédiatriques se présentant aux urgences au Canada et faisons état du port du casque chez ces patients. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons extrait les données relatives aux années 2004 à 2009 du Système canadien hospitalier d'information et de recherche en prévention des traumatismes (SCHIRPT), un programme national de surveillance des blessures dans les urgences de 15 hôpitaux. RÉSULTATS: La majorité des 28 618 enfants âgés de 1 à 16 ans qui ont été blessés au cours d'activités non motorisées sur roues l'ont été durant la pratique de la bicyclette, la deuxième cause étant la pratique de la planche à roulettes. Les enfants blessés étaient majoritairement des garçons. Les enfants blessés en trottinette étaient généralement plus jeunes, ceux blessés en planche à roulettes plus âgés. En moyenne, le nombre total de blessures a diminué de 6 % au cours de la période étudiée. Les chutes étaient le mécanisme lésionnel le plus courant, et 8,3 % des patients présentaient un traumatisme crânien, blessure plus fréquente chez les cyclistes que chez les utilisateurs d'autres dispositifs sur roues. Le port du casque était plus répandu chez les cyclistes (62,2 %), les utilisateurs de planche à roulettes affichant le plus faible taux d'utilisation (32,9 %). Les patients blessés qui s'étaient présentés aux urgences dans une région où le port du casque était obligatoire étaient 2,12 fois plus susceptibles de porter un casque et 0,86 fois moins susceptibles de souffrir d'un traumatisme crânien, comparativement aux patients des régions où il n'y avait pas de réglementation sur le port du casque. CONCLUSION: Ces résultats corroborent les études selon lesquelles la réglementation rendant obligatoire le port du casque pourrait être un moyen efficace de réduire les blessures chez tous les utilisateurs de dispositifs à roues non motorisés. Le petit nombre de patients qui portaient un casque et un équipement de protection (59,4 % en tout) laisse penser que cela demeure un champ d'intervention.

Longboard and skateboard injuries.

INTRODUCTION: The causes and events related to skateboarding injuries have been widely documented. However, little is known about longboard-related injuries. With five deaths linked to longboarding in the United States and Canada in 2012, some cities are already considering banning the practice. This study compared the types and causes of longboarding-related injuries to those associated with skateboarding. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, using an emergency-based surveillance system, on patients under the age of 18 who had been injured while longboarding or skateboarding between 2006 and 2010. RESULTS: A total of 287 longboarding and 4198 skateboarding cases were identified. There were more females in the longboarding group (18.8%) than in the skateboarding one (10.7%, p < 0.002). All the injured longboarders were older than 10 years of age while a fifth of the injured skateboarders were under the age of 11. Longboarders' injuries occurred mainly on streets and roads (75.3% vs. 34.3% in skateboarders, p < 0.000) and rarely in skate parks (1.4% vs. 26.4% in skateboarders, p < 0.000). Longboarders suffered twice as many injuries to their heads and necks (23.3% vs. 13.1%, p < 0.000) and twice as many severe neurological traumas (8.6 vs. 3.7%, p < 0.000) while skateboarders suffered more injuries to their lower extremities (33.7% vs. 24.7%, p < 0.002). CONCLUSION: Longboarding is associated with a different pattern of injuries than skateboarding. Because longboarders suffer more intracranial injuries, the importance of helmet use should be especially strongly reinforced.

Built environment characteristics and parent active transportation are associated with active travel to school in youth age 12-15.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relation of factors from multiple levels of ecological models (ie, individual, interpersonal and environmental) to active travel to/from school in an observational study of young adolescents. METHODS: Participants were 294 12-15-year olds living within two miles of their school. Demographic, psychosocial and perceived built environment characteristics around the home were measured by survey, and objective built environment factors around home and school were assessed in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Mixed effects multinomial regression models tested correlates of engaging in 1-4 (vs 0) and 5-10 (vs 0) active trips/week to/from school, adjusted for distance and other covariates. RESULTS: 64% of participants reported ≥1 active trip/week to/from school. Significant correlates of occasional and/or habitual active travel to/from school included barriers (ORs=0.27 and 0.15), parent modelling of active travel (OR=3.27 for habitual), perceived street connectivity (OR=1.78 for occasional), perceived pedestrian safety around home (OR=2.04 for habitual), objective street connectivity around home (OR=0.97 for occasional), objective residential density around home (ORs=1.10 and 1.11) and objective residential density around school (OR=1.14 for habitual). Parent modelling interacted with pedestrian safety in explaining active travel to/from school. CONCLUSIONS: Results supported multilevel correlates of adolescents' active travel to school, consistent with ecological models. Correlates of occasional and habitual active travel to/from school were similar. Built environment attributes around schools, particularly residential density, should be considered when siting new schools and redeveloping neighbourhoods around existing schools.

Medical issues in synchronized skating.

Synchronized skating is a unique sport of team skating and currently represents the largest competitive discipline in U.S. Figure Skating. Synchronized skating allows skaters to compete as part of a team with opportunities to represent their country in international competitions. As the popularity of the sport continues to grow, more of these athletes will present to sports medicine clinics with injuries and illnesses related to participation in synchronized skating. The purpose of this article is to review the common injuries and medical conditions affecting synchronized skaters.

Prevalence of helmet use by users of bicycles, push scooters, inline skates and skateboards in Toronto and the surrounding area in the absence of comprehensive legislation: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Legislation in the province of Ontario, Canada, mandates users under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when they ride a bicycle, and legislation has been shown to significantly increase rates of bicycle helmet use. Legislation does not exist in Ontario for older bicyclists or for users of other non-motorised modes of transportation, and there are no current data available regarding rates of helmet use in these categories. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of helmet use among users of bicycles, skateboards, push scooters and inline skates in Toronto, Ontario, and the surrounding area. Further analysis was performed to examine factors associated with helmet use. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, observational study. Three trained, stationary observers captured 6038 users of bicycles (5783), skateboards (77), inline skates (165) and push scooters (13) in the summer of 2009. Observations were separated into three time periods capturing commuters, midday users and recreational users. A general linear model was used to assess the factors associated with helmet use among bicyclists. RESULTS: Helmets were worn by 48.9% of all users observed and 50.0% of all bicyclists. Among bicyclists, females were more likely to wear helmets than males (prevalence ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.36), while children were significantly more likely to wear helmets than adults (prevalence ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.15). Significant behavioural variation was observed among users during the three observation periods (p<0.001), with commuters being the most likely to wear a helmet. CONCLUSION: In the absence of comprehensive legislation encompassing all ages of users, only half of users of non-motorised, wheeled transportation devices are choosing to wear a helmet to protect against traumatic brain injury. Implementation of evidence-based strategies to increase helmet use, such as the introduction of legislation encompassing all ages and all equipment, is required.

Lesiones producidas en una pista temporal de patinaje sobre hielo / Injuries in a temporary ice rink

Introducción y objetivos: La práctica del patinaje sobre hielo conlleva un aumento del riesgo de lesiones debido a una mayor probabilidad de caídas. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las lesiones producidas y sus factores de riesgo en una pista temporal de patinaje sobre hielo. Métodos: Se registraron las lesiones producidas en una pista de hielo instalada durante un mes en un municipio de Murcia. Para cada uno de los patinadores lesionados, se registraron datos sobre edad, sexo, localización de la lesión, mecanismo lesional, diagnóstico de la lesión y experiencia como patinador. Los datos fueron registrados por el personal de la Cruz Roja Española en el puesto de primeros auxilios ubicado junto a la pista. Resultados: Un total de 185 sujetos (95 mujeres y 90 varones) presentaron algún tipo de lesión. Las lesiones más comunes fueron de carácter leve, como contusiones (40%) y heridas superficiales (28,2%). Las fracturas representaron el 1,6% de las lesiones. La mayoría de las lesiones se localizaron en la muñeca (29,2%), seguida del pie (13,0%) y la rodilla (10,8%). El principal mecanismo de lesión fue la caída (71%), debida principalmente a la pérdida de equilibrio (61,2%). Los sujetos sin experiencia en patinaje sobre hielo presentaron mayor frecuencia de lesiones que los patinadores más experimentados. Conclusiones: El número de lesiones ocurridas en la pista de hielo fue bajo en relación con el número total de patinadores que la visitaron, y en su mayoría éstas fueron de carácter leve

Introduction and objectives: Recreational ice-skating carries a high risk of injury because of the strong probability of falls. The aim of this study was to describe injuries and associated risk factors in a temporary ice rink. Methods: We recorded all injuries produced in a temporary ice rink installed for 1 month in a town in Murcia. For all ice skaters injured, information on age, gender, body region injured, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, and ice skating experience was recorded. The data were gathered by staff from the Spanish Red Cross in the first aid facilities situated beside the ice rink. Results: A total of 185 recreational ice skaters (95 females and 90 males) were injured. The most common injuries were slight injuries such as bruises (40%) and superficial wounds (28.2%). Fractures accounted for 1.6% of all injuries. Most skating-related injuries involved the wrist (29.2%), followed by the foot (13.0%) and the knee (10.8%). Most of the injuries were caused by falls (71%), mainly due to loss of balance (61.2%). Beginners appeared to be more prone to injury than experienced skaters. Conclusions: The number of injuries was low compared with the total number of skaters and most of the injuries were slight

Head injuries in winter sports: downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating and ice hockey.

Winter sports are often associated with high speed, which carries with it the potential for collision. As such, head injuries are among the more commonly encountered injuries in winter-related sporting activities. This article focuses on popular winter sports such as downhill skiing and snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, and hockey. In virtually all of these activities, the incidence and severity of head injuries can be reduced by the use of appropriate protective headgear.

Inline skating injuries: medical and sociological aspects.

INTRODUCTION: Inline skating is becoming more and more popular all over the world. This results in a rapid increase in sports injuries. The aim of our study was to analyse injury patterns and injury causes as well as the influence of the social status on possessing and using protective equipment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recorded and evaluated 76 accidents in our outpatient department by means of standardised questionnaires over a period of 18 months. We checked the direct circumstances of the accident, social situation and aspects of the family's social status. RESULTS: The average age of the injured person was 12.5 years. The most common injury localisations were the distal forearm (39.5 %) and the wrist (9.2 %), the most common types of injuries were fractures (51.9 %, especially upper extremity) and distortions (17.6 %). Most injuries happened in easy driving situations, like gliding, turning and braking. The injured children did not differ significantly from the general population. The willingness of children to wear special safety gear increased with the social status of their family. CONCLUSION: Learning the fundamental techniques can improve driving skills and reduce the number of injuries. Integration of skating lessons in physical education at school is desirable, especially regarding the injured person's age and would improve their willingness to wear protectors, independent of the social status.

Home advantage in speed skating: evidence from individual data.

Home advantage is a well-documented phenomenon in many sports. Home advantage has been shown to exist for team sports (soccer, hockey, football, baseball, basketball) and for countries organizing sports tournaments like the Olympics and World Cup Soccer. There is also some evidence for home advantage in some individual sports, but there is a much more limited literature. This paper addresses the issue of home advantage in speed skating. From a methodological point of view, it is difficult to identify home advantage, because skaters vary in their abilities and the conditions of tournaments vary. There is a small but significant home advantage using a generalized linear mixed model, with random effects for skaters and fixed effects for skating rinks and seasons. Even though the home advantage effect exists, it is very small when compared to variation in skating times due to differences of rinks and individual abilities.

[Injury patterns and prophylaxis in inline skating]. / Verletzungsmuster und -prophylaxe beim Inlineskating.

Inline skating has become one of the fastest growing sports since its appearance in 1980. The increasing number of inline skaters has also led to a rising incidence of injuries. The most common injury is the distal fracture of the radius, which occurs in 50% of all fractures. There are several reasons for increasing serious injuries in inline skating. The majority of skaters do not wear proper protective equipment (helmet, elbow, knee and wrist protectors), however, many users can not handle their inline skates in dangerous situations. All skaters should take care by buying industrially tested inline skates and appropriate protective equipment; novice skaters should additionally attend special skating schools to learn skating, braking and the the correct falling techniques.