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Skiing and snowboarding are risky sports, and the risk is often highest among youth.This study assesses the reliability of a Risky Behaviour and Actions Assessment Tool (RBAAT) in young, novice skiers and snowboarders. RBAAT was developed based on literature, communication with experts, and the Alpine Responsibility Code. Video footage was collected for 90-minute periods in the beginner area of the ski hill. A snowboard coach created and rated 100 video clips containing risky or non-risky behaviors. A ski patroller and a former ski instructor independently rated each video using the RBAAT and came to a final decision with the snowboard coach.Two RAs then used the RBAAT to assess behaviors among novice youth skiing and snowboarding at the ski hill. Percent agreement and kappa coefficients (95% CI) were calculated comparing the RA video ratings to the consensus and for the RA on-hill ratings. Comparing RA ratings with the consensus for any risky behavior in the video, there was 91.00% agreement (kappa: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.66-0.92). There was 91.63% agreement for any risky behavior seen on the hill between RAs (kappa: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.68-0.87). The RBAAT was reproducible for assessing risky ski and snowboard behaviors among beginner children.

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ObjectiveTo contrast the presentation and recovery of acute concussion and post-concussion syndrome (PCS) in order to identify factors for PCS prevention.BackgroundConcussions are classified as acute (<90 days to resolution) or post-concussion syndrome (PCS, = 90 days to resolution). PCS poses a great burden to the individual and to public health. Further investigation is warranted for understanding the progression of acute concussion to PCS and potential mitigating strategies.Design/MethodsRetrospective chart review of concussion patients seen by Sports Medicine and Exercise Physicians over a five-year period. Outcome measures included demographics, wait-times, injury mechanisms, Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) scores, management plans, and recovery timelines.ResultsFour hundred ninety-six patients (289 male/207 female, 19.7 ± 9.4 years) presented with 561 concussions in 1,471 visits. Acute concussions accounted for 88% of injuries and 12% were PCS. Females (RR = 1.4) and adults = 25 years (RR = 3.6) were more likely to be diagnosed with PCS. In both, injuries occurred most commonly in hockey, football, and soccer. Family physicians were the most frequent referral provider (58% acute, 76% PCS). Median injury-appointment time was 11.0 days (acute) compared to 182.0 days (PCS). Initial total SCAT symptom score was significantly greater (p < 0.001) in PCS (56.0 ± 33.0) compared to acute concussion (39.8 ± 31.9). Therapies (i.e., referral, medication, intervention) were prescribed in 44% of acute injury visits compared to 73% of PCS visits. Recovery timelines for return to work, school, and sport were significantly longer in PCS patients than in those with acute concussions (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings of the incidence/presentation of PCS agree with previous literature. Athletes who are female and/or = 25 years may be at greater risk for PCS progression, requiring close monitoring and further injury prevention efforts. Considering the number of referrals from family physicians, further concussion education may better optimize initial management and shorten delays in seeking necessary sports medicine consultation.

Objectives Ski and snowboard-related injuries are common among Canadian youth. Analyzing the role of risky behaviours that contribute to injury risk is essential for gaining an understanding of injury prevention opportunities. The objective was to determine if rates of risky behaviour seen at the ski hill were lower for children and adolescents exposed to an educational injury prevention video. Methods This single-blinded cluster randomized controlled trial included students (ages 7–16) from 18 Calgary schools who were enrolled in novice levelled school-sanctioned ski and snowboard programs. Consenting schools were randomly assigned to the intervention or control. The control group followed standard preparation including watching a general ski hill orientation video that was created by the ski hill. The intervention group viewed the intervention video focussed on injury prevention. The Risky Behaviour and Actions Assessment Tool was used by blinded research assistants to observe and record students’ risky behaviours at an Alberta ski hill. Results In total, 407 observations estimated the rate of risky behaviour. The overall rate of risky behaviour was 23.31/100 person runs in the control group and 22.95/100 person runs in the intervention group. The most commonly observed risky behaviours in both groups were skiing too close to other skiers/snowboarders and near collision with an object/person. Conclusions Both groups showed similar rates of risky behaviour and demonstrated the same most common type of behaviour. Practical applications: future work should focus on mitigating common risky behaviours.