White Paper: functionality and efficacy of wrist protectors in snowboarding—towards a harmonized international standard

• Published in: Sports engineering Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 197 - 210
• Main Authors: Michel, Frank I., Schmitt, Kai-Uwe, Greenwald, Richard M., Russell, Kelly, Simpson, Frank I., Schulz, David, Langran, Mike
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer London 01.12.2013
• Subjects: Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering; Engineering; Engineering Design; Materials Science; Original Article; Rehabilitation Medicine; Sports Medicine; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Wrist; PPE; Injury; Snowboarding; Standard; White Paper; Protector
• ISSN: 1369-7072; 1460-2687
• DOI: 10.1007/s12283-013-0113-3

The wrist is the most frequently injured body region among snowboarders. Studies have shown that the risk of sustaining a wrist injury can be reduced by wearing wrist protection. Currently, there are a wide variety of wrist protection products for snowboarding on the market that offer a range of protective features. However, there are no minimum performance standards for snowboarding wrist protectors worldwide. The International Society for Skiing Safety convened a task force to develop a White Paper to evaluate the importance and necessity of a minimum performance for all wrist protectors used in snowboarding. The White Paper outlines the need for a general framework for a harmonized international standard and reviews the existing evidence. Therefore, this White Paper may serve as a common base for future discussions. The broader goal of developing and implementing such a standard is to reduce the incidence and the severity of wrist injuries in snowboarding without increasing the risk of adverse events, such as upper arm or shoulder injury. The European standard for inline skating wrist protectors (EN 14120) can serve as a starting point for efforts related to a standard for snowboard wrist protectors, but certain modifications to the standard would be required. It is hypothesized that implementation of a snowboarding wrist protector standard would result in fewer and less severe wrist injuries in the sport and could translate into more riding days for healthy snowboarders and significant health-care costs savings.