%0 Journal Article
%T Potential health benefits from downhill skiing
%J Frontiers in physiology
%D 2018
%A Burtscher, Martin
%A Federolf, Peter A.
%A Nachbauer, Werner
%A Kopp, Martin
%V 9
%N 
%P e1924-e1924
%X <b>Objectives:</b> 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. <b>Methods:</b> 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). <b>Results and Discussion:</b> A total of 21 original articles dealing with potentially favorable health effects resulting from downhill skiing were included in this review. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Frontiers Research Foundation
%@ 1664-042X
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.01924