Citation

Burtscher M, Federolf PA, Nachbauer W, Kopp M. Front. Physiol. 2018; 9: e1924.

Affiliation

Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Frontiers Research Foundation)

DOI

10.3389/fphys.2018.01924

PMID

30692936

PMCID

PMC6340074

Abstract

Objectives: Downhill skiing represents one of the most popular winter sports worldwide. Whereas a plethora of studies dealt with the risk of injury and death associated with downhill skiing, data on its favorable health effects are scarce. A more comprehensive overview on such effects might emerge from a multidisciplinary perspective. Methods: A literature search has been performed to identify original articles on downhill/alpine skiing interventions or questionnaire-based evaluation of skiing effects and the assessment of health effects (cardiorespiratory, neurophysiological, musculoskeletal, psycho-social). Results and Discussion: A total of 21 original articles dealing with potentially favorable health effects resulting from downhill skiing were included in this review.

RESULTS indicate that downhill skiing, especially when performed on a regular basis, may contribute to healthy aging by its association with a healthier life style including higher levels of physical activity. Several other mechanisms suggest further favorable health effects of downhill skiing in response to specific challenges and adaptations in the musculo-skeletal and postural control systems, to exposures to cold temperatures and intermittent hypoxia, and/or emotional and social benefits from outdoor recreation. However, reliable data corroborating these mechanisms is scarce.

Language: en

Keywords

alpine skiing; biomechanics; cardiovascular; neurophysiology; psycho-social