Skiers and snowboarders may both enjoy riding on snow but that’s where the similarities end, according to a new study published by the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
After studying over 10,000 skiers and snowboarders over the course of 18 seasons between 1988 and 2006 at a resort in Vermont, the researchers concluded different injuries occur for the different sports (Ed: And they spent 18 years figuring this out…?).
Adult skiers are most likely to get an anterior cruciate ligament sprain in the knee, while for adult snowboarders it’s a wrist injury. The highest injury rates were among young, female inexperienced snowboarders.
While the difference in injuries may be a little obvious, the study also found that there was no substantial difference in injury rates between those who spend time in a terrain park and those who don’t.
In a related study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, researchers have found the most common causes of injuries for both skiers and snowboarders. Topping the list is being active for long periods without resting, followed by using improper or faulty equipment, being dehydrated, skiing or snowboarding above your ability, and not properly adjusting to the altitude.
