Citation

Henry DJ, Grenier SG. Safety Sci. 2011; 49(3): 433-437.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ssci.2010.10.008

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: Compare acceleration level between two sleds used for downhill winter sliding. The hypotheses include (a) acceleration levels will differ significantly between sled types, (b) acceleration levels will be unsafe, (c) acceleration levels will not differ significantly between genders. Design: Cross sectional study, within subject design. A cross correlation was used to verify similar terrain and path of travel between the two sleds. The trials with the highest correlation, between sleds, were then used in a t-test to analyze the differences in the mean, maximum, minimum, peak accelerations, average and maximum peak levels between the two sleds and genders. A one-way ANOVA evaluated the relationship among gender and all variables. Setting: In a randomized order, participants slid down the hill three times with one sled, followed by three times with the other. Acceleration was captured with a PBC piezoelectric accelerometer connected to a Larson Davis Human Vibration Meter 100. Participants: Five males and seven females, age 7-14 years, were recruited for this study. Participants were a sample of convenience. Results: The measured accelerations exceeded safe levels with values ranging from 1.07 m/s2 to 1330 m/s2 (mean = 241.97 m/s2). Two-tailed t-test showed no significant difference in acceleration between sleds. A one-way ANOVA determined that there is no significant difference between gender or sled for any measured variables. Conclusion: Acceleration magnitudes did not differ significantly between sled types or between genders. Peak acceleration levels were determined to be unsafe, in particular with regard to the forces transmitted to the spine.