Are you a 15 to 21 year old ski racer planning to race and train abroad this winter?

If yes, please consider volunteering to participate in a pioneering skiing injury prevention research project aimed at reducing the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries amongst youth ski racers.

Why is this Research Important?

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a ligament situated deep within the knee joint which provides stability to the knee during sporting activities. ACL injuries are the most common severe injury experienced by ski racers, frequently requiring surgery and resulting in prolonged periods of rehabilitation and time lost from skiing.

The development of injury prevention strategies aimed specifically at youth ski racers are hugely important in ensuring athletes are able to fully develop their sporting talent and to reduce the risk of longer-term knee problems amongst youth ski racers. If youth ski racers at higher risk of knee ligament and ACL injuries can be identified, interventions aimed at reducing their personal risk factors may be created for these athletes with the aim of reducing the incidence of ski racing related ACL injuries amongst this at risk group.

The aim of the research project is to investigate if the Wild ACL Screening Test Battery can identify youth ski racers at higher risk of skiing related knee and specifically anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Who are the Researchers?

The Lead Researcher is Kelly Wild, a Ski Racing and Sports Injury Specialist Physiotherapist. Currently a Sports Physiotherapist Contractor for Snowsports GB, Kelly previously worked as coach and Head coach with the England Alpine Ski Team, was a member of the British Alpine Ski Team and spent two years ranked British Number 1 Female in Downhill. Kelly subsequently has a unique insight and vested interest in reducing ski racing injury risk. The battery being assessed has been developed by Kelly over three years devoted to studying ski racing injury mechanisms and skiing / sports injury prevention interventions whilst undertaking a Master of Science Degree in Sports Physiotherapy at the University of Bath.

The Research Project Supervisor for this project is Dr Dario Cazolla, a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in Biomechanics in the Department of Health at the University of Bath. A highly experienced injury prevention researcher, Dr Cazolla was involved in research which recently led to worldwide changes in the Rugby Union scrummage binding rules.

What would be required?

Participants will be required to perform seven short strength and jump tests whilst in a mildly physically fatigued state. These tests are anticipated to take a total of 20 minutes to perform and can be arranged at a time to suit during or after dry slope or indoor snow slope races or training events between August and October 2023. Following this participants will be required to complete monthly online survey questionnaires detailing their current health status which are expected to take 5 minutes to complete.

Contact

If you are interested in participating or for more information on this research project please contact Kelly Wild at: wildsportsphysiotherapy@outlook.com

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