Injuries, Causes of Injuries and Rehabilitation of Alpine Skiers – Systematic Review

Eldin Jelešković, Rasim Lakota, Berina Turković, Ivor Doder, Merima Merdan, Amila Hodžić

One of the most important ways to prevent injuries and ensure successful rehabilitation in alpine skiing is adequate psychophysical preparation of athletes before and during the ski season. The aim of this study was to collect, analyze, and critically review scientific literature related to the prevention, causes, and rehabilitation of injuries among alpine skiers.

The selection, analysis, and critical review of relevant studies were conducted according to the PRISMA methodology. A systematic search of scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and MEDLINE, was performed to identify research addressing injury prevention, injury mechanisms, and rehabilitation procedures in alpine skiing.

The findings indicate that the most common injuries among alpine skiers are anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The review emphasizes that effective injury prevention depends on several factors, including good physical preparation, stable mental health, appropriate behavior on ski slopes, and adherence to the rules and regulations established by the International Ski Federation (FIS).

The study highlights the importance of understanding self-management and self-control principles while skiing, as these factors contribute to safer participation in alpine skiing activities. Through the classification and analysis of data from relevant scientific sources, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of injury patterns, injury causes, and rehabilitation strategies used in alpine skiing.

The review concludes that ACL injuries remain the dominant injury type in alpine skiing and that proper prevention programs and post-injury rehabilitation protocols are essential for reducing injury risk and facilitating successful return to sport.