Can the head injury by snowboarding be reduced by receiving technical guidance ?

Abstract

In 5 seasons of the past, 2107 persons visited to our hospital with head injury caused by snowboarding. We analyzed them using questionnaire and findings at examination about the receiving technical guidance and the degree of head injury. Among them, we analyzed 1865 persons, except the cases where others collide during stillness, unrelated to their skill level. We classified them from the slight injury to the serious injury into three stages (Type 1: without neurological deficit, Type 2: transient consciousness disorder or amnesia without organic change, Type 3: organic change). 55% of them were received technical guidance.

The people who have not received technical guidance, had more serious head injury. The significant difference was accepted between receiving of the technical guidance and the degree of head injury (p<0.01 by Wilcoxon rank sum test, p<0.05 by χ² test). In the examination according to technical level, the beginners' class person without technical guidance were sustained more severe head injury. There was significant difference was accepted (p<0.05 by χ² test).

In order for receiving of the technical guidance of snowboarding to lead to decrease of severe head injury and to perform a snowboard more safely.