More from the alpine injury summit

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Since Alpine Canada held its injury summit last week in Calgary, many experts (some self proclaimed) have gotten very vocal and involved in this movement. I think this is great - let's keep this discussion going!

I truly enjoyed my time at the injury summit and feel more knowledgeable regarding the real issues alpine faces.  I'm hopeful that, through this blog and my previous one, I may impart some of those lessons.

Here are a few more facts I learned in case you're interested (and if you missed Part 1 on the injury summit, click here).

Boots, skis and bindings

Boot/ski/binding setups were labeled the No. 1 factor causing injury in a study by Dr. Erich Mueller of the University of Salzburg. Yet this is the hardest factor to alter.  

Something I did not mention in my previous blog was that, in my opinion, aggressive boots are the most significant reason we're getting injured and catching our edges so regularly (catching an edge is the most common reason why ski racers fall).

In the year and a half since I switched to a more aggressive boot, I suffered a concussion, two dislocated shoulders and a knee dislocation. Before this change, I was a remarkably healthy athlete. My story may be extreme, but it's not uncommon.

Skis are, and will be, the main focus for change.  This is because they are easier to change and easier to regulate. I don't have an answer to this problem, but boot regulations will need to get more stringent. I'm hopeful that more in-depth study and attention will be put on ski boots, not only skis

Concussions

Improving helmet safety is a key issue being discussed around the world. As logic would expect, a helmet safe enough for a 14-year-old racer or freeskier is not good enough for a World Cup speed athlete. However, there is little research to show how best to approach the issue. Therefore, this idea is being pursued cautiously.

Twisting motions are a key element in causing concussions. For example, a straight blow in boxing isn't nearly as effective as an uppercut or a hook. Seeing a hit coming in the NFL or NHL also makes it much less likely to cause a concussion.  This is because the neck muscles are activated and do a great deal in protecting our brains.

Comparing alpine to auto racing is difficult to do. This is because cars are equipped with a lot of protective equipment to ensure the driver's head can't move very much - limiting any twisting motions. Alpine is much more comparable to football, dirt biking, hockey, etc.

If the latest technology in helmets was enough to completely prevent concussions, the NFL wouldn't be facing a concussion epidemic. Still, a well fitted, well made helmet is vital.  Also, replacing it annually, and after impacts, is also crucial in it functioning properly. Air travel can also reduce a helmet's functionality (because of the freezing and thawing that happens) so helmets that fly should be replaced every six months.

Finding a way to lower the costs of helmets may also be a key to ensuring our athletes are properly protected.

Mouth guards

A mandatory mouth guard for all athletes was one of my suggestions going into the summit.  There is no research to prove this will prevent concussions, however, there is no research that says it doesn't.  And it's been proven that there's no downside to wearing a mouthguard. So why not?

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