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Are there risk factors for snowboard injuries? A case-control multicentre study of 559 snowboarders.

Br J Sports Med. 2010 Sep;44(11):816-821

Authors: Hasler RM, Berov S, Benneker L, Dubler S, Spycher J, Heim D, Zimmermann H, Exadaktylos AK

Objective To analyse risk factors leading to injuries during snowboarding. Design A case-control multicentre survey of injured and non-injured snowboarders. Setting One tertiary and two secondary trauma centres in Bern, Switzerland. Methods All snowboard injuries admitted to our tertiary and two affiliated secondary trauma centres from 1 November 2007 to 15 April 2008 were analysed on the basis of a completed questionnaire incorporating 15 variables. The same questionnaire was applied in non-injured controls at valley stations after a snowboarding day during the same period. A multiple logistic regression was performed (dichotomous variables). Patterns of combined risk factors were calculated by inference trees. Results 306 patients and 253 controls were interviewed. The following variables were statistically significant for the injured PATIENTS: low readiness for speed (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.64, p=0.0037), bad weather/visibility (OR 19.06, 95% CI 2.70 to 134.73, p=0.0031) and old snow (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.68, p=0.0323). Not wearing a helmet and riding on icy slopes emerged as a combination of risk factors associated with injury. Conclusions Several risk factors and combinations exist, and different risk profiles were identified. Future research should be aimed at more precise identification of groups at risk and developing specific recommendations for each group-for example, a snow-weather conditions index at valley stations.

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– Are there risk factors for snowboard injuries? A case-control multicentre study of 559 snowboarders.

When you are trying to get some basic skiing gear together, the prices can be quite high. Learning how to pick the right skis for the best prices can really help you keep your costs down. You need to know how to find the right women’s skis so that you are not spending money on ones you will not enjoy using. Here is what you need to know.

Many of the changes to skis for women have been introduced over the last few years. In the beginning, the differences were mainly cosmetic and different colors and top sheets were used that appealed to women more. Then, as designers began to find ways to accommodate physiological differences, changes in structure were incorporated that made them look and feel different for female skiers. The good news is that because yearly changes are not as massive as they have been you can still get the latest in ski technology at a lower price by purchasing previous models built in the last few years.

Women tend to have smaller muscle mass than most men. Because of this, they can do better on skis which have been designed to be lighter in weight and have a softer feel than those designed for men. Because we move differently, women can benefit from a ski design that puts the boot further forward of center. This can assist us when we try and turn on the slopes.

The conditions you will be encountering on the slopes or trails should also be considered when purchasing your pair. Think about whether you tend to ski on granular or powdery snow and whether the slopes where you ski are usually icy or not.

There is a lot to be said for experience. If you are shopping on a budget, getting the right pair is essential since you may not have the money to buy more than one pair every few years. You should think about bringing someone with you to shop or going to a store where you can try them on and see how they suit you.

When you know what model and size will work best for you, consider comparison shopping. You may be able to find better pricing online and there are a number of websites that can offer you a great selection to pick from. You can also save money if you shop more in the spring. It may not mean you’re carving a path with the latest models but they will help you save money on your purchase.

Make sure that you pay a visit to great deals on skis for cost-free information, reviews and a great selection of merchandise such as cheap Fischer skis. Visit http://dealsonskis.com today.

There are several great outdoor sports to do in the winter, but the fastest growing sports is snowshoeing. Unlike skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing does not require lots of coordination and physical ability. One merely needs to be able to walk in the snow to snowshoe.

Snowshoes are not cheap, but you can get outfitted with everything you need for a lot less money than a skier or snowboarder can. Plus, there is no need for lessons or trips to an expensive ski destination, you can snowshoe pretty much anywhere there is a large open area.

Snowshoeing is safe as long as you don’t get off into uncharted territory. Make sure you know your limits. Start with a short hike to get to know your new equipment. You will find that your new snowshoes offer a lot of stability on the snow (not so much on ice) and that a good cardiovascular workout can be completed in a rather short period of time.

Snowshoes work by spreading the user’s weight over the entire surface of the shoe, this allows the user to walk on top of a surface that would not be able to support him if he had a smaller point of contact with the snow. This level of “flotation” is one factor to consider when purchasing a snowshoe. Light, fluffy, powder-like snow needs a higher flotation snowshoe than heavy, wet snow requires.

Snowshoes all look somewhat the same, but there are some big differences. The style and model that will be right for you is dependent on your body weight, what type of snowshoeing you do and what kind of snow you will be in (wet or dry or in-between).

One accessory most snowshoers have is a pair of strong trekking poles. If you use your poles correctly, you can maintain your balance better during your hike. You will really find them useful when you are going up, down or across a hill or slope.

Many styles of footwear can be used with snowshoes, but tough, insulated hiking boots are the preferred choice among most recreational snowshoers. A few snowshoe styles will work with ski boots, but a problem with using ski boots is the user then needs to carry boots with them, making the experience a little more complicated.

One last thing to consider picking up to go with your snowshoes is a carrying and storage bag. You can use this bag to store your shoes during the off season and use it to carry them to the hiking area. You can often get them included as part of a package deal.

A word of warning, however, please be sure to tell someone where you will be hiking to in case something happens and you don’t come back. Snowshoeing is almost always a safe adventure, but things can happen out in the woods.

I think the greatest benefit of snowshoeing is how it gets the people who don’t ski outside during the winter. It is an outstanding way for non-skiers to enjoy the snowy season.

Although he says to be just a snowboarder, Robert Jensen absolutely loves the simplicity and convenience of snowshoes and snowshoeing through the park he lives near. He recommends browsing through some of the best snowshoe shops to get an idea of which snowshoes might be best for you.

Arctic Cat snowmobiles have been some of the best mountain sleds for more than 40 years and it is no wonder why. The company consistently comes out with new models that are at least as good as the year before if not better. I can remember being on my first cat more than 35 years ago and I still get that same rush of excitement when I look at them today.

There is an Arctic Cat that is perfect for you whatever is most important to you in a snowmobile. Is speed your focus? Arctic Cat makes the fastest snowmobiles in the world. Or maybe power is what you live for. These mountain sleds feature the most horsepower in the industry.

If power is not enough, you can choose the sleds that are made especially for mountain riding. They still feature the most horsepower in the industry. But it is combined with the technology made for the kind of rugged terrain that you find on the mountainside.

Other people may not care about the speed and power if it comes at the expense of the smoothness of the ride. Arctic Cats have a Body-Saving Ride Technology to be sure that the machine absorbs the impact, not you. An independent study revealed that this technology results in less impact, as much as 19.3%, as compared to competitors. This enables you to ride for a longer time.

Different models offer different features so take a look at what is available. You can find the combination that suits the way you like to ride and the features that are most important to you. If comfort is at the top of your list, you can even choose a model that features a heated seat.

You do not have to give up anything when you buy an Arctic Cat. You get it all: comfort, power and speed. And the peace of mind of buying from a company that has provided reliable performance from the first machine they produced.

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