Use of orthoplast(r) for winter sports.
Orthoplast(R) has been found to be successful in padding the joints of athletes who compete in such high-velocity, high-impact winter sports as bobsled, luge, and skeleton. Traditional padding with foam or felt was not as effective against contusions, lacerations, and ice burns. Orthoplast is preferable because of its rigid, non-yielding and lightweight qualities, as well as its ability to be formfitted, thus aerodynamic. Two different techniques of using Orthoplast have been proven effective by the authors in protecting joints and body parts through a necessary range of motion. Bobsled, luge, and skeleton athletes, like other athletes, require full range of motion for effective sports participation. Shingled, jointed padding has been effective in protecting upper extremity joints, while the one-piece technique is used best for the lower extremity and nonjointed areas. These techniques can be used for many other sports where freedom of movement and protection are equally important.
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Susan L. Snouse is Assistant Athletic Trainer at US Olympic Committee, US Olympic Training Center, Lake Placid, NY 12946.
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