The effect of heads-up-display (HUD) goggles on skiing and snowboarding speeds

Abstract

This study empirically explores whether the use of heads-up-display (HUD) goggles increases the risk in ski areas by increasing skiing and snowboarding speeds. Twentyseven skiers and snowboarders participated in a repeated measures experiment that included a control session without the HUD goggle and three sessions with the HUD goggle under a variety of conditions. The skiing behaviour of each participant was monitored using a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker. The runs of the ski area were divided into 51 homogeneous run sections and speed quantiles (median to maximum in 5 percentage point intervals) were calculated for each individual pass through these run sections (n=4,451). A mixed-effects model was then applied to examine the effect of HUD goggles on skiing speeds for each quantile in combination with various personal (e.g., skiing ability) and external factors (e.g., terrain). Among the variables tested, ability level had the strongest positive effect on skiing speeds, while terrain characteristics including steep gradients, ungroomed runs, and treed areas, were all associated with slower skiing speeds. No overall long-term effect of HUD goggle use on skiing speeds was found, but advanced/expert skiers did appear to benchmark 'personal best' speeds during first HUD use -particularly on long straight run sectionsbefore returning to slower speeds during subsequent HUD use. Whereas no significant HUD effect was observed among beginners/intermediates, skiing speeds were significantly faster among beginners/intermediates listening to music during the sessions. The potential for distraction as a result of HUD use still requires investigation.

Relationship Between Active Personality and Participation in Ice and Snow Sports

“…Bailly, Afquir, Laporte et al (2017) interviewed 295 skiers and 71 snowboarders to determine the typical mechanism leading to TBI, and identify injury mechanisms and head impact conditions. Garner, Haegeli, & Haider (2016) conducted a repetitive measurement experiment on 27 skiers and snowboarders c to verify whether the use of head-up display (HUD) goggles would increase the risk of ski resorts with the increase in the speed of skiing and snowboarding. Weber, Horst, Lefering et al (2016) analyzed demographic data from a prospective trauma database based on the international population, comparing posttraumatic demographics, injury patterns, and outcomes between alpine skiing, snowboarding, and sled winter sports.…”