Helmet use reduces skiers and snowboarders risk of head injury
22/02/2006
Alpine skiers and snowboarders who wear a helmet have a reduced risk of head injury, according to a study in the February 22 issue of JAMA.
The injury risk is high, and head injuries are common in alpine skiers and snowboarders, according to background information in the article. Head injury is the most frequent reason for hospital admission and the most common cause of death among skiers and snowboarders with an eight per cent fatality rate among those admitted to hospital with head injuries. Helmet use is typically not mandatory and usage is generally low among recreational skiers and snowboarders. Although using a helmet is assumed to reduce the risk of head injuries in alpine sports, this effect is not certain.
Steinar Sulheim, M.D., of theNorwegian School Oslo , Norway
Of the 3,277 individuals with injuries, 578 (17.6 per cent) had head injuries. The researchers found that "using a helmet was associated with a 60 per cent reduction in the risk for head injury" when comparing skiers with head injuries with uninjured controls. Use of a helmet was also associated with a 57 per cent reduced risk for a potentially severe head injury. The risk for head injury was 53 per cent higher among snowboarders than for alpine skiers. There also was a trend toward a lower risk for neck injuries with helmet wear.
The injury risk is high, and head injuries are common in alpine skiers and snowboarders, according to background information in the article. Head injury is the most frequent reason for hospital admission and the most common cause of death among skiers and snowboarders with an eight per cent fatality rate among those admitted to hospital with head injuries. Helmet use is typically not mandatory and usage is generally low among recreational skiers and snowboarders. Although using a helmet is assumed to reduce the risk of head injuries in alpine sports, this effect is not certain.
Steinar Sulheim, M.D., of the
Of the 3,277 individuals with injuries, 578 (17.6 per cent) had head injuries. The researchers found that "using a helmet was associated with a 60 per cent reduction in the risk for head injury" when comparing skiers with head injuries with uninjured controls. Use of a helmet was also associated with a 57 per cent reduced risk for a potentially severe head injury. The risk for head injury was 53 per cent higher among snowboarders than for alpine skiers. There also was a trend toward a lower risk for neck injuries with helmet wear.
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