A revolutionary ski screening programme that prevents Middle Eastern skiers from having accidents on the slopes is being launched at Arab Health 2019.
Combing biomechanics, neuroscience and sports physiology, the innovative WS-I Ski programme has been developed by Harley Street sports medicine specialist clinic, Isokinetic in conjunction with professional freeskier Warren Smith.
It is a completely new approach to screen skiers in advance of hitting the slopes and provides individually tailored training programmes to ensure that they are ‘ski-ready’ for their first run.
Many ski injuries are avoidable. For example, many skiers do not realise that they are not symmetrical – that they have one leg stronger than the other or that one ankle rotates more than the other. This can hinder their ability to deal with unexpected jolts that can occur when skiing down a tricky run; the kind of unexpected skiing moment that leads to injury.
The screening programme takes place over two sessions at Isokinetic Harley Street Clinic and includes a consultation with a sports medicine consultant, screening tests to measure strength and endurance, agility and gait, and a full biomechanical evaluation including ankle flex, lateral control and leg steering range. The final part of the screening is a tailored training programme.
Mike Davison, who heads up the Isokinetic Harley Street Clinic, said: “We take the latest sports science learning from managing elite athletes and make it accessible to recreational skiers. We see it as our job to ensure that everyone can enjoy their sport to the maximum of their ability but also avoid injury.”
Warren Smith, founder of the Warren Smith Ski Academy said: “I’ve gotten to know the medical excellence at Isokinetic at first hand over the past few years and it dawned on me that there was a need for skiers that crossed biomechanics and sports medicine that wasn’t being addressed. The WS-I is a completely new screening programme for skiers and one that I’m very excited to be a part of.”
Isokinetic is located within the Harley Street Medical Area, London – an area famed for its medical excellence in treating complex and life-threatening conditions. The area, managed by long-term landlord The Howard de Walden Estate, brings together a community of world-renowned medical professionals.
