AUTHOR=Burtscher Martin , Federolf Peter A. , Nachbauer Werner , Kopp Martin TITLE=Potential Health Benefits From Downhill Skiing JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology VOLUME=9 YEAR=2019 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.01924 DOI=10.3389/fphys.2018.01924 ISSN=1664-042X ABSTRACT=

Objectives: Downhill skiing represents one of the most popular winter sports worldwide. Whereas a plethora of studies dealt with the risk of injury and death associated with downhill skiing, data on its favorable health effects are scarce. A more comprehensive overview on such effects might emerge from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Methods: A literature search has been performed to identify original articles on downhill/alpine skiing interventions or questionnaire-based evaluation of skiing effects and the assessment of health effects (cardiorespiratory, neurophysiological, musculoskeletal, psycho-social).

Results and Discussion: A total of 21 original articles dealing with potentially favorable health effects resulting from downhill skiing were included in this review. Results indicate that downhill skiing, especially when performed on a regular basis, may contribute to healthy aging by its association with a healthier life style including higher levels of physical activity. Several other mechanisms suggest further favorable health effects of downhill skiing in response to specific challenges and adaptations in the musculo-skeletal and postural control systems, to exposures to cold temperatures and intermittent hypoxia, and/or emotional and social benefits from outdoor recreation. However, reliable data corroborating these mechanisms is scarce.