Kitesports Medicine

Abstract

Due to the growing number of kitesport participants, physicians, physiotherapists, and trainers need to be familiar with the physical demands and medical conditions related to the practice of these sports. Kiteboarding ranges from moderate to intense activity involving both aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms with significant differences between among the practiced disciplines and the riding styles. Injury rates of 7 and 8.4 per 1000 hours have been estimated in prospective studies on kitesurfing and snowkiting respectively. In kitesurfing, most injuries are to the ankles and feet, while in snowkiting, the back region of the body is most frequently involved. Knee injuries are common in both sports, while shoulders are more prone to injuries in snowkiting. Errors during maneuvers and tricks, high jumps in particular, are the most common cause of injuries, while loss of kite control, which leads to riders being lifted into the air and thrown against obstacles or dropped from a height is the most common mechanism for more severe injuries and fatalities. Hypothermia and exhaustion may endanger stranded kitesurfers in water. Even if many more acute injuries are reported, kiteboarders may also be at high risk of overuse injuries, particularly to the lumbar spine and knees due to prolonged repetitive strain. Prevention strategies include beginners training by exclusively professional instructors in order to gain wind and weather knowledge beforehand, practice in suitable locations, and proper equipment use, all combined with a specific physical preparation regime.