A survey conducted in Boulder during the primary cycling months revealed that nearly half of bicycle accidents involved a motor vehicle and 30 percent were caused by gravel. Steps which can be taken to reduce the bicycle accident rate are presented. (MT)

Snowmobile accidents and resulting casualties in Wisconsin were surveyed from 1973 to 1982. Results of the survey are presented and recommendations to further reduce accidents are offered. (MT)

A study of 68 handicapped skiers showed a rate of two injuries per 1,000-skier days. Disabled skiers, while risking the same injuries as nondisabled skiers, also have problems related to their disabilities. A particular hazard for amputee skiers is the outrigger injury. Recommendations to reduce the injury rate are presented. (MT)

Data from the National Center for Sports Injury show that changes in rules and equipment have made interscholastic sports safer in recent decades, but the record for 1982-1997 shows that there is still room for improvement. The paper presents sport-specific considerations and examines several general safety recommendations that should be followed.…

In an effort to reduce deaths and serious injuries among bicyclists, physicians and bicycling organizations are promoting safety skill classes. Children are at especially high risk of accidents and need proper training and education. Helmets and other protective gear are considered crucial equipment, and common sense and alertness are important.…

New prevention programs, rescue techniques, and treatment methods are helping to reduce the number and severity of diving accidents, the fourth leading cause of spinal cord injuries. (JD)

A seven-year review of 1,447 cases of spine trauma showed that 53 cases were associated with the use of off-road vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and motorized dirt bikes. The development of safe riding areas, legislation governing safe operation, and public safety education are advised to curb this trend. (Author/JL)

Risk of neurological injuries accompanies horseback riding, especially for children and adolescents. This article describes the mechanisms of craniospinal injuries and suggests measures to lessen risks. Measures include: identifying individuals who should not ride, developing criteria for resumption of riding after injury, developing protective…

Disability-related conditions such as bladder problems or pressure sores need not keep people from activity. Although active individuals with disabilities require some specialized management, they mainly need medical care for sports-related cuts, sprains, and strains. Physicians can help remove medical barriers to participation for active…

An international group of concussion experts met in 2001 to discuss the most recent research and findings and to establish guidelines for clinical practice. They addressed such issues as epidemiology, basic and clinical science, grading systems, cognitive assessment, new research methods, protective equipment, management, prevention, and long-term…

Recreational watercraft paddlers are susceptible to problems ranging from simple contusions and blisters to drowning. Most of these problems can be prevented by simple precautions, such as proper technique, good warmup, carrying first-aid kits, wearing personal flotation devices, and respecting the environment. (Author/SM)

Although cheerleading carries a relatively low injury risk, injuries that do occur can be severe, commonly affecting the ankle, head, and neck. Two case reports are presented that illustrate acute injuries typical of cheerleading. Prevention recommendations are offered related to supervising, screening, limiting stunts, optimizing the environment…

Survey of 100 young female gymnasts examined injuries over a 40-month period. Injury rates were similar to those found in other studies of female competitive gymnasts, but there were several notable findings regarding injury patterns. Prevention methods to reduce injury include modifying mat design and prescribing strengthening and stretching…