Study reveals: Concern about increase in injuries in skiing!

Study reveals: Concern about increase in injuries in skiing!

The 54th Nordic World Ski Championships 2023, which took place in Planica, Slovenia, were not only a sporting highlight, but also a cause for concern about the physical safety of athletes. How Medical School Hamburg reported, the frequency and characteristics of injuries and illnesses among athletes were examined as part of a prospective cohort study. This study was carried out by the Institute for Integrative and Experimental Sports Medicine (IIES) in cooperation with the FIS and international colleagues.

The research found a worrying increase in knee injuries across all Nordic disciplines. According to the study, a total of 4.0% of athletes suffered injuries, while 2.5% reported illnesses. Additionally, three confirmed concussions were documented during ski jumping. These findings, published in the BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, are intended to help better understand future injuries and increase safety in competition das-wissen.de.

Need for further investigations

The data collection carried out included daily recordings of new, aggravated or recurrent injuries in accordance with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The study highlights the need to collect more data at major events in Nordic skiing in order to obtain more representative results and analyze long-term changes. This is particularly important as developments in sport require clear measures to improve safety, such as this Knowledge portal with a thought for sport notes.

In order to minimize the risk of injury, it is crucial to take a closer look at the structures of sport in Germany. The current studies illustrate the complementary challenges for athletes and sports organizations. A healthy balance between competition intensity and safety is essential. This issue is illustrated not only by the data from the 2023 Nordic World Ski Championships, but also by the change in sports structures in Germany, which increasingly have to respond more closely to the social and health needs of athletes.

The increase in injuries, particularly knee injuries, highlights the urgent need for preventive measures and a comprehensive analysis of safety standards in competition. It remains to be seen what steps sports organizations will take in response to the study's alarming results. A focused approach to health and safety could be crucial for the future of Nordic skiing.