IntroductiondBecause of the growing popularity of mountain tourism, the number of injuries related to mountain activities has increased rapidly. The regional volunteer search and rescue team (Tatra mountain rescue team [MRT], Poland) anticipates future increases in injuries and accidents.MethodsdAn analysis was performed on Tatra MRT incident reports for the years 2012 through 2013. These reports include information on the mechanism of injury, weather conditions, and demographic data of the injured tourists. The data were provided by the operation supervisor of each search and rescue mission. The study group consisted of 844 reports (median age 37 y, range 18e90 y). The analysis was designed to determine whether features such as age and sex of the injured tourist were correlated to the injury mechanisms (as identified by the rescuers) or their National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics L International Committee for Alpine Rescue (NACA ICAR) score.ResultsdOur study of the Tatra MRT data revealed that age and sex are risk factors for the rate and severity of injuries in the mountain environment. Injured men were more likely to require resource-intensive search and rescue missions and usually had a worse NACA ICAR score (P¼ 0.041). The age analysis showed that older people are more likely to sustain a serious injury (3e7 NACA ICAR score). However, the most common rescue scenario involved younger males (20e40 y) at a higher altitude (>1500 m, P< 0.001).ConclusionsdSex and age are associated with the mechanisms and severity of injuries in the mountain environment. They should be considered in the development of appropriate prevention and response programs. Further studies are needed to confirm the results.

Background: Fingers of climbers are an area where operating forces reach the highest values, thus they are susceptible for overloading. The aim of this study was to determine what kind of morphological changes climbing causes in the anatomical structures of climbers' fingers and whether these changes affect their function. Material and methods:The study group consisted of 27 climbers and 26 non-climbers as a control group. Research consisted of an original questionnaire and measurements of the range of motion and circumferences of finger joints.Results: Limited finger flexion in all distal interphalangeal (DIP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints in the study group was reported, as well as the contours of some DIP joints were enlarged. Correlation between the time of climbing and fingers' joints circumference value has been found. The examined climbers also declared affected grip precision in performing daily tasks. Conclusions:Climbers have limited flexion and increased finger joint circumferences, mostly in distal parts of fingers.There is a relationship between the duration of training and the intensity of morphological changesthe longer the training duration, the smaller the joints' circumferences. Changes in anatomy of the fingers may cause functional limitation and thus difficulties in performing precise tasks during daily activities.