RESEARCH GROUP
Latest Publications - Team Members - Research Projects - Network
ABOUT THE RESEARCH GROUP
The special importance of alpine sports for Tyrol and Austria can be derived from the fact that more than 10 million tourists visit the local mountain areas every year. With regard to the entire alpine region, the number of people is estimated to be over 40 million. Recreational alpine sports when performed on a regular basis can undoubtedly contribute to health effects of physical activity, but on the other hand alpine sports are associated with a certain risk of injury and death. Therefore, the prevention of injury and death events play a substantial role in the efforts to make alpine sports safer.
According to the model of van Mechelen (1992), extensive analyzes of accidents and emergencies during mountain-sport activites are carried out as a basis to establish the extent of the injury problem (incidence, prevalence, severity etc.) and to explore the aetiology and related factors of the injury.
Since more than 3 decades, this specific research field was established by Prof. Martin Burtscher at our department leading to a huge amount of published articles in highly ranked journals and thus forstering the world wide recognised expertise of the department of sport science, Innsbruck, in the field of prevention of accidents and emergencies research in alpine sports.

MEDIA
Special Issue in Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health:
Winter Sport Injuries: Risk Factors and Preventive Measures
Podcast within the British Journal of Sports Medicine: Wie können Verletzungen beim Skifahren möglichst vermieden werden?
Report within the New York Times:
Helmets for Ski and Snowboard Safety
More Media
ISO-Norm mit Schwächen - Männerwerte schaden Frauenknien (SRF)
Wie gefährlich ist Skifahren tatsächlich?
Gut gewappnet: Die richtige Ausrüstung fürs Skifahren
LATEST PUBLICATIONS OF 2022
Seebacher J, Posch M, Zelger P, Pocecco E, Burtscher M, Zorowka P, Ruedl G. An approach to enhance spatial hearing of ski helmets in order to increase safety on ski slopes. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19,15905; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315905 (IF: 4,614)
Pocecco E, Wafa H, Paal P, Plattner P, Burtscher J, Posch M, Ruedl G. Mortality in recreational mountain-biking in the Austrian Alps. A retrospective study over 16 years. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 11965. Doi: 10.3390/ijerph191911965 (IF: 4,614)
Ruedl G, Posch M, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Faulhaber M, Pocecco E, Burtscher M. A comparison of ACL injury risk, ski geometry and standing height parameters between skiers with rented and with owned skis. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 11124. Doi: 10.3390/ijerph191711124 (IF: 4,614)
Burtscher M, Hefti JP, Ruedl G, Hefti U. Editorial: The 2nd Edition of Mountain Sports Activities: Injuries and Prevention. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 9510. Doi: 10.3390/ijerph19159510 (IF: 4,614)
Posch M, Ruedl G, Burtscher J, Pocecco E, Burtscher M. Unchanged fatality rate on Austrian ski slopes during the Covid-19 lockdown. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7771 (IF: 4,614)
Ruedl G, Posch M, Tecklenburg K, Schranz L, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Scher I, Burtscher M. Impact of ski geometry data and standing height ratio on the ACL injury risk and its use for prevention in recreational skiers. Br J Sports Med 2022; 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105221 (IF: 18,473)
Posch M, Ruedl G, Tecklenburg K, Burtscher M. Might gendering ski binding settings be helpful for the prevention of ACL injuries among female recreational alpine skiers? Sports Medicine Open 2022 Feb 5; 8(1):21 doi: 10.1186/s40798-022-00415-0 (IF: 4,491)
PUBLICATIONS OF 2021
Posch M, Ruedl G, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Burtscher M. Ski geometry parameters do not differ between ACL injury mechanisms in recreational alpine skiers. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 2021, published online 31. Dezember. Doi: 10.1007/s00167-021-06852-w (IF: 4,342)
Ruedl G, Posch M, Tecklenburg K, Faulhaber M, Burtscher M. Equipment-related risk factors for ACL injury among recreational skiers – a case control study November 2021 British Journal of Sports Medicine 55 (Suppl 1): A132.3-A133; DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-IOC.317 (IF: 13,8)
Ruedl G, Posch M, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Burtscher M. The impact of ski geometry data and standing height on the risk of falling in recreational alpine skiers. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 9912; Doi: 10.3390/app11219912 (IF: 2,679)
PUBLICATIONS OF 2020
Faulhaber, M; Pocecco, E; Posch, M; Ruedl, G (2020): Accidents during Mountain Hiking and Alpine Skiing - epidemiological data from the Austrian Alps.
In: German Journal of Sports Medicine 71, No. 11-12 (DOI)
Faulhaber, M; Ruedl, G; Schneider, F; Walter, D; Sterr, R; Schobersberger, W; Schwendinger, F; Pocecco, E (2020): Characteristics of Victims of Fall-Related Accidents during Mountain Hiking.
In: International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 17/3, No. 1115. (DOI)
Niedermeier, M; Gatterer, H; Pocecco, E; Frühauf, A; Faulhaber, M; Menz, V; Burtscher, J; Posch, M; Ruedl, G; Burtscher, M (2020): Mortality in Different Mountain Sports Activities Primarily Practiced in the Winter Season – A Narrative Review.
In: International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 17/1, No. 259. (DOI)
Pocecco, E; Faulhaber, M (2020): Falls during mountain hiking – epidemiological data from the Austrian Alps.
In: Health Promotion & Physical Activity 3/12, S. 6. (Weblink)
Posch, M; Schranz, A; Lener, M; Burtscher, M; Ruedl, G (2020): Incidences of Fatalities on Austrian Ski Slopes: A 10-year Analysis.
In: International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 17, S. 2916. (DOI)
Posch, M; Schranz, A; Lener, M; Tecklenburg, K; Burtscher, M; Ruedl, G (2020): In recreational alpine skiing, the ACL is predominantly injured in all knee injuries needing hospitalisation.
In: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. (DOI)
Posch, M; Schranz, A; Lener, M; Ruedl, G (2020): Alpiner Freizeitskilauf: Verletzungsrisiken und Präventionsmaßnahmen.
In: Alpinmedizinischer Rundbrief - gemeinsames Organ der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Alpin- und Höhenmedizin, Deutschen Gesellschaft für Berg- und Expeditionsmedizin. (Weblink)
PUBLICATIONS OF 2019
Burtscher, J; Ruedl, G; Posch, M; Greier, K; Burtscher, M (2019): The upper limit of cardiorespiratory fitness associated with longevity: an update.
In: AIMS Public Health 6/3, S. 225 - 228. (DOI)
Gatterer, H; Niedermeier, M; Pocecco, E; Frühauf, A; Faulhaber, M; Menz, V; Burtscher, J; Posch, M; Ruedl, G; Burtscher, M (2019): Mortality in Different Mountain Sports Activities Primarily Practiced in the Summer Season — A Narrative Review.
In: International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 16/20, No. 3920. (DOI)
Menz, V; Philippe, M; Pocecco, E; Ruedl, G; Woldrich, T; Sommersacher, R; Burtscher, M (2019): The use of medication and alcohol in recreational downhill skiers: Results of a survey including 816 subjects in Tyrol.
In: Journal Of Science And Medicine In Sport 22/1, S. S22 - S26. (DOI)
Morawetz, D; Dünnwald, T; Faulhaber, M; Gatterer, H; Schobersberger, W (2019): Impact of Hyperoxic Preconditioning in Normobaric Hypoxia (3500 m) on Balance Ability in Highly Skilled Skiers: A Randomized, Crossover Study.
In: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 14/7, S. 934 - 940. (DOI)
Mueller, T; Ruedl, G; Ernstbrunner, M; Plachel, F; Fröhlich, S; Hoffelner, T; Resch, H; Ernstbrunner, L (2019): A Prospective Injury Surveillance Study on Ski Touring.
In: Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine 7, No. 2325967119867676. (DOI)
Niedermeier, M; Pocecco, E; Hildebrandt, C; Raschner, C; Federolf, P; Kopp, M; Ruedl, G (2019): Effects of Visual and Auditory Perturbations on Ski-Specific Balance among Males and Females — A Randomized Crossover Trial.
In: International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 16/15, No. 2665. (DOI)
Niedermeier, M; Ruedl, G; Burtscher, M; Kopp, M (2019): Injury-Related Behavioral Variables in Alpine Skiers, Snowboarders, and Ski Tourers — A Matched and Enlarged Re-Analysis.
In: International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 16/20, No. 3807.
Posch, M; Ruedl, G; Schranz, A; Tecklenburg, K; Burtscher, M (2019): Is ski boot sole abrasion a potential ACL injury risk factor for male and female recreational skiers?
In: Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine & Science In Sports 29/5, S. 736 - 741. (DOI)
Posch, M; Schranz, A; Lener, M; Senn, W; Äng, B; Burtscher, M; Ruedl, G (2019): Prevalence and potential risk factors of flight-related neck, shoulder and low back pain among helicopter pilots and crewmembers: a questionnaire based study.
In: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 20, No. 44. (DOI)
Ruedl, G; Pocecco, E; Kopp, M; Burtscher, M; Zorowka, P; Seebacher, J (2019): Impact of listening to music while wearing a ski helmet on sound source localization.
In: Journal Of Science And Medicine In Sport 22/Supplement 1, S. S7 - S11. (DOI)
Ruedl, G; Posch, M; Niedermeier, M; Greier, K; Faulhaber, M; Schranz, A; Burtscher, M (2019): Are Risk-Taking and Ski Helmet Use Associated with an ACL Injury in Recreational Alpine Skiing?
In: International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 16/17, No. 3107. (DOI)
Ruedl, Gerhard; Burtscher, Martin (2019): Why not consider a sex factor within the ISO 11088 ski binding setting standard?
In: British Journal of Sports Medicine 53/17, S. 1127 - 1128. (DOI)
TEAM MEMBERS
Please click on the photo for getting more information of persons

Gerhard Ruedl
Senior Researcher

Martin Burtscher
Senior Researcher

Markus Posch
Researcher

Elena Pocecco
Senior Scientist
RESEARCH PROJECTS AND ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Please click on the headed project titles to fully see all associated publications
ACL injuries in alpine skiing and injury mechanisms
Posch M, Schranz A, Lener M, Tecklenburg K, Burtscher M, Ruedl G. Knee injury patterns and concomitant injuries among recreational alpine skiers. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. Published online: 14 August 2020. Doi: 10.1007/s00167-020-06221-z
Ruedl G, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Mechanism of ACL injury in skiers: letter to the editor. Am J Sport Med 2011; 39:NP5. doi: 10.1177/0363546511424232
Ruedl G, Webhofer M, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Patterson C, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. ACL injury mechanisms and related factors in male and female carving skiers: a retrospective study. Int J Sports Med 2011; 32 (10): 801-806. DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1279719
Ruedl G, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Schindelwig K, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Distribution of injury mechanisms and related factors in ACL-injured female carving skiers. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthros. 2009 Nov;17(11):1393-8. doi: 10.1007/s00167-009-0860-7.
ACL injuries in alpine skiing and risk factors
Posch M, Ruedl G, Schranz A, Tecklenburg K, Burtscher M. Ski boot sole abrasion – a potential ACL injury risk factor for male and female recreational skiers? Scan J Med Sci Sport 2019 Jan 21. doi: 10.1111/sms.13391. [Epub ahead of print]
Ruedl G, Posch M, Niedermeier M, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Schranz A, Burtscher M. Are risk taking and ski helmet use associated with an ACL injury in recreational alpine skiing? Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019; 16(17), 3107; doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16173107
Posch M, Ruedl G, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Helle K, Burtscher M. Unterscheiden sich männliche und weibliche Skifahrer mit einer VKB-Verletzung hinsichtlich der auf die Körpergröße und das Körpergewicht relativierten Skilänge, der Skitaillierung und des Abnützungsgrades der Skischuhsohle? Sportverl Sportschaden 2017, 26. April [Epub ahead of print]. Doi: 10.1055/s-0043-106973
Ruedl G, Helle K, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Fink C, Burtscher M. Factors associated with self-reported failure of binding release among ACL injured male and female recreational skiers: A catalyst to change ISO binding standards? Br J Sports Med 2016; 50 (1):37-40. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095482
Ruedl G, Helle K, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Fink C, Posch M, Burtscher M. Einfluss von subjektiver Ermüdung auf Vordere Kreuzband Verletzungen beim alpinen Skifahren: ein Geschlechtervergleich. Sportverl Sportschad 2015; 29: 1-5. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-106948
Ruedl G, Webhofer M, Helle K, Strobl M, Schranz A, Fink C, Gatterer H, Burtscher M. Leg dominance is a risk factor for non-contact ACL injuries in female recreational skiers. AJSM 2012; 40 (6): 1269-1273. doi: 10.1177/0363546512439027
Ruedl G, Ploner P, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Patterson C, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Interaction of potential intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors in ACL injured recreational female skiers. Int J Sports Med 2011; 32 (8): 618-622. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1275355.
Ruedl G, Schranz A, Fink C, Pocecco E, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Are ACL injuries related to perceived fatigue in female skiers? AS TM International 2010; Vol. 7, No. 3. doi: 10.1520/JAI102747, 119-129
Ruedl G, Schranz A, Fink C, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Knieverletzungen bei Frauen im Freizeitskilauf – Risikofaktoren und Präventivmaßnahmen im Überblick. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin 2009, 60 (11): 345-349.
Ruedl G, Ploner P, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Sommersacher R, Pocecco E, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Are oral contraceptive use and menstrual cycle phase related to ACL injury risk in female recreational skiers? Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthros. 2009 Sep;17(9):1065-9. doi:10.1007/s00167-009-0786-0
Ruedl G, Schranz A, Fink C, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Potenzielle internale und externale Risikofaktoren von Verletzungen des Vorderen Kreuzbandes bei männlichen und weiblichen Freizeitskifahrern. Jahrbuch 2010 der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Alpin- und Höhenmedizin. Innsbruck 2010: 85-94
Ruedl G, Ploner P, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Nachbauer W, Pocecco E, Burtscher M (2008). Wirken sich hormonelle Faktoren auf Kreuzbandverletzungen im Freizeitskilauf aus? In: Jahrbuch für Alpin- und Höhenmedizin. Innsbruck, 99-109
Ruedl G, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Sommersacher R, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M (2008). Kreuzbandverletzungen bei Carvingskifahrerinnen in Abhängigkeit vom Alter der Bindungseinstellung und der Bindungsfunktion. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Sicherheit im Bergland. Jahrbuch 08, Innsbruck: 176-183
Alpine skiing injuries
Faulhaber M, Pocecco E, Posch M, Ruedl G. Accidents during mountain hiking and alpine skiing – epidemiological data from the Austrian Alps. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin 2020 (in press)
Burtscher M, Ruedl G. Favourable Changes of the Risk-Benefit Ratio in Alpine Skiing. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015; 12 86): 6092-6097. doi: 10.3390/ijerph12060000x
Burtscher M, Ruedl G. Striking downward trend in alpine skiing. CMAJ 2014 http://cmajblogs.com/downward-trend-of-injuries-in-alpine-skiing/#more-1367
Ruedl G, Philippe M, Sommersacher R, Dünnwald T, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Aktuelles Unfallgeschehen auf Österreichischen Skipisten. Sportverletz Sportschaden 2014; 28 (4): 183-187. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1385244
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Does snowboarding increase overall injury risk on ski slopes? Am J Sport Med 2013; 41 (4): NP12. doi: 10.1177/0363546513483962.
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M, Bauer R, Benedetto K. Ursachen und Einflussfaktoren von Personenkollisionen auf der Skipiste. Sportverl Sportschad 2013; 27: 100-104. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1330767
Ruedl G, Bauer R, Pfanner M, Rein F, Burtscher M, Benedetto K. Ursachen und Risikofaktoren von Verletzungen im Skiurlaub. Dtsch Z Sportmed 2013; 64 (2):52-56. doi: 10.5960/dzsm.2012.050
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Burtscher M. Factors associated with injuries occurred on slope intersections and in snow parks compared to on-slope injuries. Accid. Anal. Prev. 2013; 50: 1221-1225. Epub: 2012 Oct 5. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2012.09.019
Bauer R, Ruedl G, Pfanner M, Rein F, Burtscher M, Benedetto K. Wie gefährlich sind Snowboarden und Schifahren? Aktuelle Ergebnisse einer Pistenunfallstudie aus Vorarlberg. Sport- & Präventivmedizin 2012; 42 (3): 6-9.
Ruedl G, Fink C, Schranz A, Sommersacher R, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Impact of environmental factors on knee injuries in male and female recreational skiers. Scan J Med Sci Spo 2012: 22: 185-189. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01286.x.
Burtscher M, Sommersacher R, Ruedl G, Nachbauer W. Potential risk factors for knee injuries in alpine skiers, Journal of ASTM International 2009, 6 (1), 73-76, Paper ID: JAI101378.
Burtscher M, Gatterer H, Flatz M, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Ruedl G, Hotter B, Lee A, Nachbauer W. Effects of modern ski equipment on the overall injury rate and the pattern of injury location in Alpine skiing. Clin J Sport Med. 2008 Jul;18(4):355-357. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0b013e31815fd0fe.
Ruedl G, R Sommersacher, T Woldrich, W Nachbauer, M Burtscher (2010). Ergebnisse der Österreichischen Skiunfallerhebung aus der Wintersaison 2008/2009. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Alpinunfälle 2009, Innsbruck 2010: 54-60
Ruedl G, R Sommersacher, T Woldrich, W Nachbauer, M Burtscher (2009). Ergebnisse der Österreichischen Skiunfallerhebung aus der Wintersaison 2007/2008. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Alpinunfälle 2008, Innsbruck 2009: 56-60
Ruedl G, R Sommersacher, T Woldrich, W Nachbauer, M Burtscher (2008). Ergebnisse der Österreichischen Skiunfallerhebung aus der Wintersaison 2006/2007. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Alpinunfälle 2007, Innsbruck: 56-60
Ruedl G, Flatz M, Gatterer H, Hotter B, Nachbauer W, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Burtscher M (2006). Das weibliche Knie im alpinen Skilauf: Ergebnisse des Frauen-Pow(d)er-Projekt. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Sicherheit im Bergland. Jahrbuch 06, Innsbruck: 80-85. Erratum 2007
Alpine skiing injuries and associated factors
Niedermeier M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Injury-related behavioral variables in alpine skiers, snowboarders and ski tourers – a matched and enlarged re-analysis. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 3807; doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16203807
Niedermeier M, Pocecco E, Hildebrandt C, Raschner C, Federolf P, Kopp M, Ruedl G. Effects of visual and auditory perturbations on ski-specific balance among males and females - a randomized crossover trial. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019; 16(15), 2665. doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16152665
Menz V, Philippe M, Pocecco E, Ruedl G, Woldrich T, Sommersacher R, Burtscher M. Use of medications and alcohol and related risks in downhill skiers. J Sci Med Sport. 2019. May 8. pii: S1440-2440(19)30485-2. Doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.04.014
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Brunner F, Greier K, Hildebrandt C, Raschner C. Einflussfaktoren auf das sicherheitsrelevante Wissen auf der Skipiste. Sportverl Sportschaden 2017, 26. Juli [Epub ahead of print]Doi: 10.1055/s-0043-115189
Kopp M, Wolf M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Differences in sensation seeking between alpine skiers, snowboarders and ski tourers. Journal of Sport Science & Medicine 2016; 15: 11-16. ISSN: 1303 - 2968
Burtscher M, Bodner T, Burtscher J, Ruedl G, Kopp M, Brössner G. Life-style characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors in regular downhill skiers: an oberservational study. BMC Public Health. 2013 Aug 29; 13 (1): 788. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-788
Brucker P, Ruedl G. Gefahren im alpinen Ski-Leistungssport – Gefährdung und Gefährdungsprävention. Sportorthopädie – Sporttraumatologie 2014; 30: 331-338. doi: 10.1015/j.orthtr.2014.09.009
Philippe M, Ruedl G, Woldrich T, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Wie häufig und warum stürzen Skifahrer? Sportverletz Sportschaden 2014; 28 (4): 188-192. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1366874
Ruedl G, Faulhaber M. Burtscher M. Risiken für alpine Skifahrer, Skitourengeher und Skilangläufer. Präventive Maßnahmen reduzieren Verletzungen und Todesfälle. Flugmedizin Tropenmedizin Reisemedizin 2012; 19: 12-16
Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Are there risk factors in alpine skiing? British Journal of Sports Medicine 2010, July 8; e-letter: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/13/1020/reply#bjsports_el_4304
Burtscher M, Pühringer R, Werner I, Ruedl G, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Nachbauer W. Gender-specific effects of smoking and alcohol consumption on the risk of falling in downhill skiers. ASTM International 2010, Vol. 7, No. 7. doi:10.1520/JAI102815, 99-105
Alpine skiing injuries and ski bindings
Posch M, Burtscher M, Schranz A, Tecklenburg K, Helle K, Ruedl G. Impact of lowering ski binding settings on the outcome of the self-release test of ski bindings among female recreational skiers. Open Acess Journal of Sports Medicine 2017
Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Why not consider a sex factor within the ISO 11088 ski binding setting standard? Br J Sports Med 2017; doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-098572
Ruedl G, Helle K, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Fink C, Burtscher M. Factors associated with self-reported failure of binding release among ACL injured male and female recreational skiers: A catalyst to change ISO binding standards? Br J Sports Med 2016; 50 (1):37-40. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095482
Posch M, Ruedl G, Eberle R, Burtscher M. Self-release of ski bindings: a sex comparison. In: Scher I, Greenwald R, Petrone N (eds) Snow Sports Trauma and Safety 2017. Springer Cham. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52755-0_9
Ruedl G, Benedetto K, Fink C, Bauer R, Burtscher M (2016). Factors associated with self-reported failure of binding to release among recreational skiers: an epidemiological study. Current Issues in Sport Science; Vol 1. Doi: 10.15203/CISS_2016.003
Ruedl G, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Sommersacher R, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M (2008). Kreuzbandverletzungen bei Carvingskifahrerinnen in Abhängigkeit vom Alter der Bindungseinstellung und der Bindungsfunktion. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Sicherheit im Bergland. Jahrbuch 08, Innsbruck: 176-183
Injuries and illnesses during the first Winter Youth Olympic Games 2012 in Innsbruck, Austria
Ruedl G, Schobersberger W, Pocecco E, Blank C, Engebretsen L, Soligard T, Steffen K, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Sport injuries and illnesses during the first Winter Youth Olympic Games 2012 in Innsbruck, Austria. BJSM 2012; 46: 1030-1037. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091534
Ledochowski L, Unterrainer C, Ruedl G, Schnitzer M, Kopp M. Quality of life, coach behaviour and competitive anxiety in winter youth olympic games participants. BJSM 2012; 46: 1044-1047. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091539
Blank C, Schamasch P, Engebretsen L, Haslinger S, Ruedl G, Fink C, Schobersberger W. Medical services at the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games 2012 in Innsbruck/Austria. BJSM 2012; 46: 1048-1054. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091602
Ruedl G, Schobersberger W. Injury surveillance on young elite athletes participating in the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck/Austria. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2011, December 7; e-letter: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/16/1251.full/reply#bjsports_el_4528
Injuries and illnesses during the 2015 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival in Austria
Ruedl G, Schnitzer M, Kirschner W, Spiegel R, Platzgummer H, Kopp M, Burtscher M, Pocecco E. Sports injuries and illnesses during the 2015 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival. Br J Sports Med 2016; Online First: 16 February 2016 doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-095665
Mortality in mountain sports
Posch M, Schranz A, Lener M, Burtscher M, Ruedl G. Incidences of fatalities on Austrian ski slopes: a 10-year analysis. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2020 Apr 23; 17(8):2916 doi: 10.3390/ijerph17082916.
Niedermeier M, Gatterer H, Pocecco E, Frühauf A, Faulhaber M, Menz V, Burtscher J, Posch M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Mortality in different mountain sports activities primarily practiced in the winter season – A narrative review. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019
Gatterer H, Niedermeier M, Pocecco E, Frühauf A, Faulhaber M, Menz V, Burtscher J, Posch M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Mortality in different mountain sports activities primarily practiced in the summer season. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 3920; doi:10.3390/ijerph16203920
Ruedl G, Bilek H, Ebner H, Gabl K, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Fatalities on Austrian ski slopes during a 5 year period. Wilderness Environ Med 2011; 22: 326-328. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2011.06.008.
Mountain hiking accidents
Faulhaber M, Pocecco E, Posch M, Ruedl G. Accidents during mountain hiking and alpine skiing – epidemiological data from the Austrian Alps. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin 2020 (in press)
Faulhaber M, Ruedl G, Schneider F, Walter D, Sterr R, Schobersberger W, Schwendinger F, Pocecco E. Characteristics of victims of fall-related accidents during mountain hiking. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1115. Doi: 10.3390/ijerph17031115
Faulhaber M, Pocecco E, Niedermeier M, Ruedl G, Würtele A, Ebner H, Burtscher M. Fall-related accidents among mountain hikers: a 9-year retrospective analysis in the Austrian Alps. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2017 Dec 7;3(1):e000304. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000304. eCollection 2017
Faulhaber M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Unfälle bei Hochtouren und beim Klettern. Ursachen für Verletzungen und präventive Maßnahmen. Flugmedizin Tropenmedizin Reisemedizin 2012; 19 (4): 171-175
Ski helmet use and head injuries
Ruedl G, Scher I, Burtscher M. Response to: “Helmet use and risk of head injuries in alpine skiers and snowboarders: changes after an interval of one decade”. Br J Sports Med 2016 Doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096944
Burtscher M, Ruedl G, Nachbauer W. Effects of helmet laws and education campaigns on helmet use in young skiers. Paediatrics & Child Health 2013; 18 (9): 471-472. PMCID: PMC3885103
Ruedl G. Warum (k)einen Skihelm tragen? Bewegung und Sport 2013; 4: 12-15
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Is ski helmet legislation more effective than education? BJSM 2012; 46: 1091-1092. Published online first Aug 17. 2012 doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091374.
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Rumpold G, Holzner B, Ledochowski L, Burtscher M. Attitudes regarding ski helmet use among helmet wearers and non-wearers. Injury Prevention 2012; 18: 182-186. doi:10.1136/injuryprev-2011-040042
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Ledochowski L, Hotter B, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Einflussfaktoren auf das Tragen von Schutzausrüstung im alpinen Wintersport. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin 2012: 63 (4). 106-110. doi:10.5960/dzsm.2012.015
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Ski helmets for everyone with or without mandatory. CMAJ 2012; e-letter: http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2012/02/06/cmaj.120144/reply#cmaj_el_686868
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Is there a need for a ski helmets mandatory for children? Scan J Med Sci Sports 2012; 22 (3): 448-450. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01429.x
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Hotter B, Ledochowski L, Burtscher M. Einstellungen von Wintersportlern zur Skihelmpflicht. Sportverl Sportschad 2011, 25: 211-215. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1273300.
Ruedl G, Brunner F, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Impact of ski helmet mandatory on helmet use on Austrian ski slopes. J Trauma 2011; 71 (4): 1085-1087. doi: 10.1097TA. 0b013e31821e7e91
Ruedl G, Kopp M. Ein Skihelm macht Sinn, mit Skihelm ist man „in“! In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Analyse:Berg. Winter 2011. Innsbruck 2012, 18
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Helmet use in Australia versus helmet use in Austria. J Trauma 2011, 70 (4): 1017. doi: 10.1097/TA.0b013e3182127c72.
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. The protective effects of helmets in skiers and snowboarders. BMJ 2011; 342: d857. doi: 10.1136/bmj.d857.
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Skihelmpflicht oder nicht? Analyse der aktuellen Datenlage. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Sicherheit im Bergland. Jahrbuch 11, Innsbruck: 57-62
Ruedl G, M Kopp, M Burtscher. Mandatory ski helmets? CMAJ 2010 June 15; 182 (9): 942, e-letter: http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/eletters/182/4/333#333045
Ruedl G, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Kopp M, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Risikofaktoren von Kopfverletzungen auf Österreichischen Skipisten. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin 2010; 61 (4) 97-102. ISSN:0344-5925
Ruedl G, M Kopp, M Burtscher. Gibt es eine ausreichende wissenschaftliche Evidenz für die Einführung einer Helmpflicht? In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Sicherheit im Bergland. Jahrbuch 2010, Innsbruck: 139-146
Ruedl G, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Pocecco E, Hotter B, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Wer trägt einen Skihelm? - Helmtragequote auf Österreichischen Skipisten in Abhängigkeit verschiedener Einflussfaktoren. Sportverletzung Sportschaden 2010; 24: 27-30. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1110011
Ruedl G, M Kopp, M Burtscher. Gibt es eine ausreichende wissenschaftliche Evidenz für die Einführung einer Helmpflicht? In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Sicherheit im Bergland. Jahrbuch 2010, Innsbruck: 139-14
Ski helmet use and impact on hearing and vision
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Kopp M, Burtscher M, Zorowka P, Seebacher J. Impact of listening to music while wearing a ski helmet on sound source localization. J Sci Med Sport. 2018 Oct 6. pii: S1440-2440(18)30968-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.09.234.
Seebacher J, Weichbold V, Koci V, Zorowka P, Stephan K, Burtscher M, Kopp M, Ruedl G. Sound source localization in the horizontal plane when wearing a ski helmet. Acta Acustica united with Acustica 2015; 101 (4): 789-797. doi: 10.3813/AAA.918873
Ruedl G, Seebacher J, Koci V, Stephan K, Weichbold V, Zorowka P, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Effect of wearing a ski helmet or a ski cap on perception and localization of sounds. Int J Sports Med 09 Jan 2014. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1358673
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Wolf M, Schöpf S, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Does listening to music with an audio ski helmet impair reaction time to peripheral stimuli? Int J Sports Med 2012; 33: 1016-1019. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1312588.
Ruedl G, Herzog S, Schöpf S, Anewanter P, Geiger A, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Do ski helmets affect reaction time to peripheral stimuli? Wilderness Environ Med 2011; 22: 148-150. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2010.12.010.
Ski helmet use and risk taking behaviour
Ruedl G, Posch M, Niedermeier M, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Schranz A, Burtscher M. Are risk taking and ski helmet use associated with an ACL injury in recreational alpine skiing? Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019; 16(17), 3107; doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16173107
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Niedermeier M, Ledochowski L, Kopp M. To what extend do attitudes regarding ski helmets change after a period of utilization? In: Scher I, Greenwald R, Petrone N (eds) Snow Sports Trauma and Safety 2017. Springer Cham. doi.org/10.1007/,978-3-319-52755-0_16
Ruedl G, Burtscher M, Wolf M, Ledochowski L, Bauer R, Benedetto K , Kopp M. Are self-reported risk-taking behaviour and helmet use associated with injury causes among skiers and snowboarders? Scan J Med Sci Spo 14 Nov 2013. doi: 10.1111/sms.12139
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Does risk compensation undo the protective effect of ski helmet use? Epidemiology 2012; 23 (6): 936-937. doi: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e31826d2403.
Ruedl G, Kopp M, Rumpold G, Holzner B, Ledochowski L, Burtscher M. Attitudes regarding ski helmet use among helmet wearers and non-wearers. Injury Prevention 2012; 18: 182-186. doi:10.1136/injuryprev-2011-040042
Ruedl G, Abart M, Ledochowski L, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Self reported risk taking and risk compensation in skiers and snowboarders are associated with sensation seeking. Acc Anal. Prev. 2012; 48: 292-296. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2012.01.31
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Sommersacher R, Gatterer H, Kopp M, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Factors associated with self reported risk taking behaviour on ski slopes. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2010, 44 (3): 204-206. Doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2009.066779
Skiing speed and associated factors
Brunner F, Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Factors associated with the perception of speed among recreational skiers. PLOS One 2015 Jun 29; 10 (6): e0132002. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132002
Ruedl G, F Brunner , T Woldrich, M Faulhaber, M Kopp, W Nachbauer, M Burtscher. Factors associated with the ability to estimate actual speeds in recreational alpine skiers. Wilderness Environ Med. 2013; 24 (2): 118-123. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2012.11.021.
Ruedl G, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Kopp M, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Durchschnittsgeschwindigkeit von Wintersportlern in Abhängigkeit verschiedener Einflussfaktoren. Sportverl Sportschad 2010; 24: 150-153. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1245578.
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Sommersacher R, Gatterer H, Kopp M, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Factors associated with self reported risk taking behaviour on ski slopes. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2010, 44 (3): 204-206. Doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2009.066779
Ski touring injuries
Mueller T, Ruedl G, Ernstbrunner M, Plachel F, Hoffelner T, Resch H, Ernstbrunner L. A prospective injury surveillance study in ski touring. The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine 7(9):232596711986767 DOI:10.1177/2325967119867676
Frühauf A, Ruedl G, Kickenweiz C, Thöni S, Kopp M. Factors associated with alcohol intake among slope tourers. In: Scher I, Greenwald R, Petrone N (eds) Snow Sports Trauma and Safety 2017. Springer Cham. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52755-0_15
Kopp M, Wolf M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Differences in sensation seeking between alpine skiers, snowboarders and ski tourers. Journal of Sport Science & Medicine 2016; 15: 11-16. ISSN: 1303 – 2968
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Verletzungshäufigkeit und Unfallursachen beim Pistentourengehen – eine Pilotstudie. Sportverletz Sportschaden 2015; 29:46-50. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1399181.
Ruedl G, Faulhaber M, Burtscher M. Risiken für alpine Skifahrer, Skitourengeher und Skilangläufer. Präventive Maßnahmen reduzieren Verletzungen und Todesfälle. Flugmedizin Tropenmedizin Reisemedizin 2012; 19: 12-16
Sledging (tobbogganing) injuries and associated factors
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Raas C, Brucker PU, Greier K, Burtscher M. Unfallursachen und Risikofaktoren bei erwachsenen Rodlern: eine retrospektive Studie. Sportverl Sportschaden 2017, 7. März [Epub ahead of print]. Doi: 10.1055/s-0043-101044
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Raas C, Blauth M, Brucker PU, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Influence of adult role modelling on child/adolescent helmet use in recreational sledging: an observational study. Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift published online 05 October 2015, doi. 10.1007/s00508-015-0862-z
Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Kopp M, Raas C, Blauth M, Brucker PU, Burtscher M. Einflussfaktoren auf die Tragehäufigkeit von Schutzausrüstung bei erwachsenen Rodlern. Sportverl Sportschad 2015. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1553250
Ruedl G, Kopp M. To sledge or not to sledge? BMJ 2013; e-letter: http://www.bmj.com/content/346/bmj.f700/rr/636282
Network
MedalpGroup
In 2017, a research unit was established by a newly founded cooperation between the MedalpGroup and the Department of Sport Science of the University of Innsbruck. The aim of this interdisciplinary research project is to determine risk factors in alpine sports and to initiate appropriate preventive measures, to optimize the medical treatment of injured patients and to reflect on current postoperative rehabilitation treatment strategies.
Österreichisches Kuratorium für alpine Sicherheit
The Austrian board for alpine safety analyzes the prevalence of accidents and emergencies, evaluates sources of danger in the alpine region and issues statements and recommendations, regardless of any external influences.
ÖSV: Österreichischer Skiverband
Beratungsstelle für Unfallverhütung (BFU)
As a competence center, the BFU explores and advises to reduce the prevalence of accidents and emergencies in Switzerland, on the road, at home, in leisure time and during sport.