Research Area Epidemiology of Alpine sports

The fascination of the mountains attracts millions of tourists and locals to Austria's alpine region every year. Here they can practice their favorite sport activities both as a leisure activity and as a competitive sport - in winter, for example, skiing, snowboarding, ski touring or tobogganing, and in spring to autumn, among other things, mountain hiking, mountain biking and climbing. However, the practice of sports and exercise in the alpine area, besides its positive effects on physical health and psychological well-being, is also associated with a certain risk of traumatic injuries and even death.

Located in the heart of the Alps, we are therefore concerned with the positive and negative health consequences of exercise and sport in the alpine environment. In addition to quantifying the incidence and prevalence of traumatic and non-traumatic injuries and deaths in alpine environments, we investigate the potential causes, risk factors and mechanisms of injury. Based on this, we provide tips for the development of evidence-based prevention measures.

Our mission: to conduct high-quality and methodologically innovative research projects whose findings inform and educate readers and policy makers. In this way, we aim to contribute positively to public health.

Want to know more about our research area? Just browse through our current projects (Research Projects), publications (Publications) and media contributions (Media) or contact us by mail (Persons).

Ass. Prof. Dr. Michael Barth

Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Martin Burtscher

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Werner Nachbauer

Dr. Elena Pocecco

Assoz.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Gerhard Ruedl

2023

Posch M, Ruedl G, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Schliernzauer B, Burtscher M. The potential impact of environmental factors on the ACL injury risk in recreational alpine skiing: a case-control study. International Journal of sports Medicine 2023. Doi. 10.1055/a-2134-3908

Stepan L, Scher I, Ruedl G, Shealy JE. Skier and Snowboarder Speeds at US Ski Areas. Journal of Science and Medicine in sport Plus 2023 (2): 100033. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsampl.2023.100033

Burtscher J, Millet G, Burtscher M. Reduced mortality in cooler surroundings. Lancet 2023; 401(10390):1771. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00636-0.

Ruedl G, Posch M, Pocecco E, Tecklenburg K, Schliernzauer B, Faulhaber M, Burtscher M. Association of personal and equipment-related factors on ACL injury risk in alpine skiers with cautious or risk-taking behavior: a case-control study. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10(2): 348–359.

Burtscher M, Kopp M, Millet G, Burtscher J, Ruedl G. Lack of exercise-based ACL prevention strategies in recreational alpine skiers. Br J sports Med 2023. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-106782.

Ruedl G, Posch M, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Faulhaber M, Burtscher M. Skill-specific differences in equipment-related risk factors for ACL injury in male and female recreational skiers. Orthopaedic J sports Med 2023, 11(3): 23259671231155841.

2022

Barth M, Platzer HP, Forstinger C, Innerhofer G, Giger A, Schröcksnadel P, Nachbauer W. In-Competition Severe Injury Events in Elite Alpine Ski Racing from 1997 to 2020: The Case of the Austrian Ski Team. In: sports medicine - open 2022; 8/1, No. 4.

Seebacher J, Posch M, Zelger P, Pocecco E, Burtscher M, Zorowka P, Ruedl G. An approach to enhance spatial hearing of ski helmets in order to increase safety on ski slopes. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19,15905.

Pocecco E, Wafa H, Paal P, Plattner P, Burtscher J, Posch M, Ruedl G. Mortality in recreational mountain-biking in the Austrian Alps. A retrospective study over 16 years. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 11965.

Ruedl G, Posch M, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Faulhaber M, Pocecco E, Burtscher M. A comparison of ACL injury risk, ski geometry and standing height parameters between skiers with rented and with owned skis. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 11124.

Burtscher M, Hefti JP, Ruedl G, Hefti U. Editorial: The 2nd Edition of Mountain sports Activities: Injuries and Prevention. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 9510.

Posch M, Ruedl G, Burtscher J, Pocecco E, Burtscher M. Unchanged fatality rate on Austrian ski slopes during the Covid-19 lockdown. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7771.

Ruedl G, Posch M, Tecklenburg K, Schranz L, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Scher I, Burtscher M. Impact of ski geometry data and standing height ratio on the ACL injury risk and its use for prevention in recreational skiers. Br J sports Med 2022; 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105221.

Posch M, Ruedl G, Tecklenburg K, Burtscher M. Might gendering ski binding settings be helpful for the prevention of ACL injuries among female recreational alpine skiers? sports Medicine Open 2022 Feb 5; 8(1):21 doi: 10.1186/s40798-022-00415-0.

2021

Barth M, Platzer HP, Giger A, Nachbauer W, Schröcksnadel P. Acute on-snow severe injury events in elite alpine ski racing from 1997 to 2019: the Injury Surveillance System of the Austrian Ski Federation. British Journal of sports Medicine 2021, 55; 589-595.

Platzer HP, Barth M, Giger A, Schröcksnadel P, Nachbauer W. Did injury incidence in alpine ski racing change after equipment regulations? An evaluation based on the injury surveillance system of the Austrian Ski Federation. Journal of Science and Medicine in sport 2021, 24/10: 1044-1048.

Posch M. Ruedl G, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Burtscher M. Ski geometry parameters do not differ between ACL injury mechanisms in recreational alpine skiers. Knee Surgery, sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 2021, published online 31. Dezember. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-021-06852-w

Ruedl G, Posch M, Tecklenburg K, Faulhaber M, Burtscher M. Equipment-related risk factors for ACL injury among recreational skiers – a case control study November 2021 British Journal of sports Medicine 55 (Suppl 1): A132.3-A133;

Ruedl G, Posch M, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Burtscher M. The impact of ski geometry data and standing height on the risk of falling in recreational alpine skiers. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 9912;

2020

Faulhaber M. Pocecco E, Posch M, Ruedl G. Accidents during mountain hiking and alpine skiing – epidemiological data from the Austrian Alps. Deutsche Zeitschrift für sportmedizin 2020; 11/12: 293-298

Posch M, Schranz A, Lener M, Tecklenburg K, Burtscher M, Ruedl G. In recreational alpine skiing, the ACL is predominantly injured in all knee injuries needing hospitalisation. Knee Surgery, sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy2021 Jun; 29(6):1790-1796.

Posch M, Schranz A, Lener M, Burtscher M, Ruedl G. Incidences of fatalities on Austrian ski slopes: a 10-year analysis. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2020 Apr 23; 17(8):2916

Faulhaber M, Ruedl G, Schneider F, Walter D, Sterr R, Schobersberger W, Schwendinger F, Pocecco E. Characteristics of victims of fall-related accidents during mountain hiking. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1115.

2019

Niedermeier M, Gatterer H, Pocecco E, Frühauf A, Faulhaber M, Menz V, Burtscher J, Posch M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Mortality in different mountain sports activities primarily practiced in the winter season – A narrative review. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019

Gatterer H, Niedermeier M, Pocecco E, Frühauf A, Faulhaber M, Menz V, Burtscher J, Posch M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Mortality in different mountain sports activities primarily practiced in the summer season. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 3920;

Niedermeier M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Injury-related behavioral variables in alpine skiers, snowboarders and ski tourers – a matched and enlarged re-analysis. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 3807;

Ruedl G, Posch M, Niedermeier M, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Schranz A, Burtscher M. Are risk taking and ski helmet use associated with an ACL injury in recreational alpine skiing? Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019; 16(17), 3107;

Niedermeier M, Pocecco E, Hildebrandt C, Raschner C, Federolf P, Kopp M, Ruedl G. Effects of visual and auditory perturbations on ski-specific balance among males and females - a randomized crossover trial. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2019; 16(15), 2665.

Mueller T, Ruedl G, Ernstbrunner M, Plachel F, Hoffelner T, Resch H, Ernstbrunner L. A prospective injury surveillance study in ski touring. The Orthopaedic Journal of sports Medicine 7(9):232596711986767

Menz V, Philippe M, Pocecco E, Ruedl G, Woldrich T, Sommersacher R, Burtscher M. Use of medications and alcohol and related risks in downhill skiers. J Sci Med sport. 2019. May 8. pii: S1440-2440(19)30485-2.

Posch M, Schranz A, Lener M, Senn W, Äng BO, Burtscher M, Ruedl G. Prevalence and potential risk factors of flight-related neck, shoulder and low back pain among helicopter pilots and crewmembers: a questionnaire-based study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2019 Jan 29;20(1):44.

Posch M, Ruedl G, Schranz A, Tecklenburg K, Burtscher M. Ski boot sole abrasion – a potential ACL injury risk factor for male and female recreational skiers? Scan J Med Sci sport 2019 Jan 21. doi: 10.1111/sms.13391. [Epub ahead of print]

2018

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Kopp M, Burtscher M, Zorowka P, Seebacher J. Impact of listening to music while wearing a ski helmet on sound source localization. J Sci Med sport. 2018 Oct 6. pii: S1440-2440(18)30968-X.

Gatterer H, Lorenzi D, Ruedl G, Burtscher M. The “FIFA 11+” injury prevention program improves body stability in child (10 year old) soccer players. Biol sports 2018;35(2):153-158.

2017

Posch M, Burtscher M, Schranz A, Tecklenburg K, Helle K, Ruedl G. Impact of lowering ski binding settings on the outcome of the self-release test of ski bindings among female recreational skiers. Open Acess Journal of sports Medicine 2017 (in press)

Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Why not consider a sex factor within the ISO 11088 ski binding setting standard? Br J sports Med 2017;

Faulhaber M, Pocecco E, Niedermeier M, Ruedl G, Würtele A, Ebner H, Burtscher M. Fall-related accidents among mountain hikers: a 9-year retrospective analysis in the Austrian Alps. BMJ Open sport & Exercise Medicine 2017 Dec 7;3(1):e000304.

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Brunner F, Greier K, Hildebrandt C, Raschner C. Einflussfaktoren auf das sicherheitsrelevante Wissen auf der Skipiste. sportverl sportschaden 2017, 26. Juli [Epub ahead of print]

Posch M, Ruedl G, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Helle K, Burtscher M. Unterscheiden sich männliche und weibliche Skifahrer mit einer VKB-Verletzung hinsichtlich der auf die Körpergröße und das Körpergewicht relativierten Skilänge, der Skitaillierung und des Abnützungsgrades der Skischuhsohle? sportverl sportschaden 2017, 26. April [Epub ahead of print].

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Raas C, Brucker PU, Greier K, Burtscher M. Unfallursachen und Risikofaktoren bei erwachsenen Rodlern: eine retrospektive Studie. sportverl sportschaden 2017, 7. März [Epub ahead of print].

2016

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Niedermeier M, Ledochowski L, Kopp M. To what extend do attitudes regarding ski helmets change after a period of utilization? In: Scher I, Greenwald R, Petrone N (eds) Snow sports Trauma and Safety 2017. Springer Cham.

Posch M, Ruedl G, Eberle R, Burtscher M. Self-release of ski bindings: a sex comparison. In: Scher I, Greenwald R, Petrone N (eds) Snow sports Trauma and Safety 2017. Springer Cham.

Ruedl G, Scher I, Burtscher M. Response to: “Helmet use and risk of head injuries in alpine skiers and snowboarders: changes after an interval of one decade”. Br J sports Med 2016

Frühauf A, Ruedl G, Kickenweiz C, Thöni S, Kopp M. Factors associated with alcohol intake among slope tourers. In: Scher I, Greenwald R, Petrone N (eds) Snow sports Trauma and Safety 2017. Springer Cham. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52755-0_15

Ruedl G, Benedetto K, Fink C, Bauer R, Burtscher M (2016). Factors associated with self-reported failure of binding to release among recreational skiers: an epidemiological study. Current Issues in sport Science; Vol 1. Doi: 10.15203/CISS_2016.003

Ruedl G, Schnitzer M, Kirschner W, Spiegel R, Platzgummer H, Kopp M, Burtscher M, Pocecco E. sports injuries and illnesses during the 2015 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival. Br J sports Med 2016; Online First: 16 February 2016

Kopp M, Wolf M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Differences in sensation seeking between alpine skiers, snowboarders and ski tourers. Journal of sport Science & Medicine 2016; 15: 11-16.

Ruedl G, Helle K, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Fink C, Burtscher M. Factors associated with self-reported failure of binding release among ACL injured male and female recreational skiers: A catalyst to change ISO binding standards? Br J sports Med 2016; 50 (1):37-40.

2015

Ruedl G, Helle K, Tecklenburg K, Schranz A, Fink C, Posch M, Burtscher M. Einfluss von subjektiver Ermüdung auf Vordere Kreuzband Verletzungen beim alpinen Skifahren: ein Geschlechtervergleich. sportverl sportschad 2015; 29: 1-5.

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Raas C, Blauth M, Brucker PU, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Influence of adult role modelling on child/adolescent helmet use in recreational sledging: an observational study. Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift published online 05 October 2015, doi. 10.1007/s00508-015-0862-z

Brunner F, Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Factors associated with the perception of speed among recreational skiers. PLOS One 2015 Jun 29; 10 (6): e0132002.

Burtscher M, Ruedl G. Favourable Changes of the Risk-Benefit Ratio in Alpine Skiing. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015; 12 86): 6092-6097.

Seebacher J, Weichbold V, Koci V, Zorowka P, Stephan K, Burtscher M, Kopp M, Ruedl G. Sound source localization in the horizontal plane when wearing a ski helmet. Acta Acustica united with Acustica 2015; 101 (4): 789-797.

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Kopp M, Raas C, Blauth M, Brucker PU, Burtscher M. Einflussfaktoren auf die Tragehäufigkeit von Schutzausrüstung bei erwachsenen Rodlern. sportverl sportschad 2015.

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Verletzungshäufigkeit und Unfallursachen beim Pistentourengehen – eine Pilotstudie. sportverletz sportschaden 2015; 29:46-50.

2014

Brucker P, Ruedl G. Gefahren im alpinen Ski-Leistungssport – Gefährdung und Gefährdungsprävention. sportorthopädie – sporttraumatologie 2014; 30: 331-338. doi: 10.1015/j.orthtr.2014.09.009

Ruedl G, Philippe M, Sommersacher R, Dünnwald T, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Aktuelles Unfallgeschehen auf Österreichischen Skipisten. sportverletz sportschaden 2014; 28 (4): 183-187. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1385244

Philippe M, Ruedl G, Woldrich T, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Wie häufig und warum stürzen Skifahrer? sportverletz sportschaden 2014; 28 (4): 188-192.

2013

Pocecco E, Ruedl G, Stankovic N, Sterkowicz S, Del Vecchio F, Gutiérrez-Garcia C, Rousseau R, Wolf M, Kopp M, Miarka B, Menz V, Krüsmann P, Calmet M, Malliaropoulos N, Burtscher M. Injuries in judo: a systematic literature review including suggestions for prevention. Br J sports Med 2013; 47:1139-1143.

Ruedl G, Burtscher M, Wolf M, Ledochowski L, Bauer R, Benedetto K, Kopp M. Are self-reported risk-taking behaviour and helmet use associated with injury causes among skiers and snowboarders? Scan J Med Sci Spo 14 Nov 2013.

Ruedl G, Seebacher J, Koci V, Stephan K, Weichbold V, Zorowka P, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Effect of wearing a ski helmet or a ski cap on perception and localization of sounds. Int J sports Med 09 Jan 2014.

Burtscher M, Bodner T, Burtscher J, Ruedl G, Kopp M, Brössner G. Life-style characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors in regular downhill skiers: an oberservational study. BMC Public Health. 2013 Aug 29; 13 (1): 788.

Burtscher M, Ruedl G, Nachbauer W. Effects of helmet laws and education campaigns on helmet use in young skiers. Paediatrics & Child Health 2013; 18 (9): 471-472.

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Does snowboarding increase overall injury risk on ski slopes? Am J sport Med 2013; 41 (4): NP12. doi: 10.1177/0363546513483962.

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M, Bauer R, Benedetto K. Ursachen und Einflussfaktoren von Personenkollisionen auf der Skipiste. sportverl sportschad 2013; 27: 100-104.

Ruedl G, Bauer R, Pfanner M, Rein F, Burtscher M, Benedetto K. Ursachen und Risikofaktoren von Verletzungen im Skiurlaub. Dtsch Z sportmed 2013; 64 (2):52-56.

Ruedl G, F Brunner, T Woldrich, M Faulhaber, M Kopp, W Nachbauer, M Burtscher. Factors associated with the ability to estimate actual speeds in recreational alpine skiers. Wilderness Environ Med. 2013; 24 (2): 118-123.

2012

Ruedl G, Schobersberger W, Pocecco E, Blank C, Engebretsen L, Soligard T, Steffen K, Kopp M, Burtscher M. sport injuries and illnesses during the first Winter Youth Olympic Games 2012 in Innsbruck, Austria. BJSM 2012; 46: 1030-1037.

Blank C, Schamasch P, Engebretsen L, Haslinger S, Ruedl G, Fink C, Schobersberger W. Medical services at the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games 2012 in Innsbruck/Austria. BJSM 2012; 46: 1048-1054.

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Burtscher M. Factors associated with injuries occurred on slope intersections and in snow parks compared to on-slope injuries. Accid. Anal. Prev. 2013; 50: 1221-1225. Epub: 2012 Oct 5.

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Is ski helmet legislation more effective than education? BJSM 2012; 46: 1091-1092. Published online first Aug 17. 2012 doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091374.

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Does risk compensation undo the protective effect of ski helmet use? Epidemiology 2012; 23 (6): 936-937.

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Rumpold G, Holzner B, Ledochowski L, Burtscher M. Attitudes regarding ski helmet use among helmet wearers and non-wearers. Injury Prevention 2012; 18: 182-186.

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Wolf M, Schöpf S, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Does listening to music with an audio ski helmet impair reaction time to peripheral stimuli? Int J sports Med 2012; 33: 1016-1019.

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Ledochowski L, Hotter B, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Einflussfaktoren auf das Tragen von Schutzausrüstung im alpinen Wintersport. Deutsche Zeitschrift für sportmedizin 2012: 63 (4). 106-110.

Ruedl G, Webhofer M, Helle K, Strobl M, Schranz A, Fink C, Gatterer H, Burtscher M. Leg dominance is a risk factor for non-contact ACL injuries in female recreational skiers. AJSM 2012; 40 (6): 1269-1273.

Ruedl G, Fink C, Schranz A, Sommersacher R, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Impact of environmental factors on knee injuries in male and female recreational skiers. Scan J Med Sci Spo 2012: 22: 185-189.

Ruedl G, Abart M, Ledochowski L, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Self reported risk taking and risk compensation in skiers and snowboarders are associated with sensation seeking. Acc Anal. Prev. 2012; 48: 292-296.

Gatterer H, Schenk K, Ruedl G, Faulhaber M, Regele M, Burtscher M. Effects of the performance level and the FIFA "11" injury prevention program on the injury rate in Italian male amateur soccer players. J sports Med Phys Fitness. 2012; 52 (1): 80-84

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Is there a need for a ski helmets mandatory for children? Scan J Med Sci sports 2012; 22 (3): 448-450.

2011

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Hotter B, Ledochowski L, Burtscher M. Einstellungen von Wintersportlern zur Skihelmpflicht. sportverl sportschad 2011, 25: 211-215.

Ruedl G, Brunner F, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Impact of ski helmet mandatory on helmet use on Austrian ski slopes. J Trauma 2011; 71 (4): 1085-1087.

Ruedl G, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Mechanism of ACL injury in skiers: letter to the editor. Am J sport Med 2011; 39:NP5.

Ruedl G, Bilek H, Ebner H, Gabl K, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Fatalities on Austrian ski slopes during a 5 year period. Wilderness Environ Med 2011; 22: 326-328.

Ruedl G, Webhofer M, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Patterson C, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. ACL injury mechanisms and related factors in male and female carving skiers: a retrospective study. Int J sports Med 2011; 32 (10): 801-806.

Ruedl G, Herzog S, Schöpf S, Anewanter P, Geiger A, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Do ski helmets affect reaction time to peripheral stimuli? Wilderness Environ Med 2011; 22: 148-150.

Ruedl G, Ploner P, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Patterson C, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Interaction of potential intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors in ACL injured recreational female skiers. Int J sports Med 2011; 32 (8): 618-622.

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Helmet use in Australia versus helmet use in Austria. J Trauma 2011, 70 (4): 1017.

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. The protective effects of helmets in skiers and snowboarders. BMJ 2011; 342: d857.

2010 and earlier

Ruedl G, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Kopp M, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Durchschnittsgeschwindigkeit von Wintersportlern in Abhängigkeit verschiedener Einflussfaktoren. sportverl sportschad 2010; 24: 150-153.

Burtscher M, Pühringer R, Werner I, Ruedl G, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Nachbauer W. Gender-specific effects of smoking and alcohol consumption on the risk of falling in downhill skiers. ASTM International 2010, Vol. 7, No. 7. doi:10.1520/JAI102815, 99-105

Ruedl G, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Kopp M, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Risikofaktoren von Kopfverletzungen auf Österreichischen Skipisten. Deutsche Zeitschrift für sportmedizin 2010; 61 (4) 97-102.

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Sommersacher R, Gatterer H, Kopp M, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Factors associated with self reported risk taking behaviour on ski slopes. British Journal of sports Medicine 2010, 44 (3): 204-206.

Ruedl G, Schranz A, Fink C, Pocecco E, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Are ACL injuries related to perceived fatigue in female skiers? ASTM International 2010; Vol. 7, No. 3. doi: 10.1520/JAI102747, 119-129

Ruedl G, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Pocecco E, Hotter B, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Wer trägt einen Skihelm? - Helmtragequote auf Österreichischen Skipisten in Abhängigkeit verschiedener Einflussfaktoren. sportverletzung sportschaden 2010; 24: 27-30.

Ruedl G, Schranz A, Fink C, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Knieverletzungen bei Frauen im Freizeitskilauf – Risikofaktoren und Präventivmaßnahmen im Überblick. Deutsche Zeitschrift für sportmedizin 2009, 60 (11): 345-349.

Ruedl G, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Schindelwig K, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Distribution of injury mechanisms and related factors in ACL-injured female carving skiers. Knee Surg sports Traumatol Arthros. 2009 Nov;17(11):1393-8.

Ruedl G, Ploner P, Linortner I, Schranz A, Fink C, Sommersacher R, Pocecco E, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Are oral contraceptive use and menstrual cycle phase related to ACL injury risk in female recreational skiers? Knee Surg sports Traumatol Arthros. 2009 Sep;17(9):1065-9. doi:10.1007/s00167-009-0786-0

Burtscher M, Sommersacher R, Ruedl G, Nachbauer W. Potential risk factors for knee injuries in alpine skiers, Journal of ASTM International 2009,
6 (1), 73-76, Paper ID: JAI101378.

Burtscher M, Gatterer H, Flatz M, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Ruedl G, Hotter B, Lee A, Nachbauer W. Effects of modern ski equipment on the overall injury rate and the pattern of injury location in Alpine skiing. Clin J sport Med. 2008 Jul;18(4):355-357.

Studien zu Verletzungen des vorderen Kreuzbandes beim Skifahren in Kooperation mit der medalp Imst/Sölden

Ruedl G, Posch M, Tecklenburg K, Irving Scher, Lenka Stepan, Burtscher M. The potential impact of ratios between ski widths on the ACL injury risk in recreational skiing. In: Stöggl T, Wiesinger HP, Dirnberger J (Eds.) Abstract Book of the 9th International Congress on Science and Skiing, March 18-22, 2023, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria; p. 43-44

Ruedl G, Posch M, Greier K, Faulhaber M, Burtscher M. The impact of ski geometry data and standing height on the risk of falling in recreational alpine skiers. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 9912; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11219912

Ruedl G, Schranz A, Fink C, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Potenzielle internale und externale Risikofaktoren von Verletzungen des Vorderen Kreuzbandes bei männlichen und weiblichen Freizeitskifahrern. Jahrbuch 2010 der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Alpin- und Höhenmedizin. Innsbruck 2010: 85-94

Studien zum Hörvermögen beim Tragen eines Skihelms in Kooperation mit der Universitätsklinik für Hör-, Stimm- und Sprachstörungen

Ruedl G, Pocecco E, Wolf M, Schöpf S, Burtscher M, Kopp M. Does listening to music with an audio ski helmet impair reaction time to peripheral stimuli? Int J sports Med 2012; 33: 1016-1019. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1312588

Studien zu Todesfällen im Alpinsport in Kooperation mit dem Österreichischen Kuratorium für alpine Sicherheit (ÖKAS)

Posch M, Ruedl G, Burtscher J, Pocecco E, Burtscher M. Unchanged fatality rate on Austrian ski slopes during the Covid-19 lockdown. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7771; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137771

Posch M, Schranz A, Lener M, Burtscher M, Ruedl G. Incidences of fatalities on Austrian ski slopes: a 10-year analysis. Int. J Environ. Res. Public Health 2020 Apr 23; 17(8):2916 doi: 10.3390/ijerph17082916

Ruedl G, Bilek H, Ebner H, Gabl K, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Fatalities on Austrian ski slopes during a 5 year period. Wilderness Environ Med 2011; 22: 326-328. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2011.06.008

Skiunfall-Studien in Kooperation mit dem Österreichischen Skiverband (ÖSV)

Philippe M, Ruedl G, Woldrich T, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Wie häufig und warum stürzen Skifahrer? sportverletz sportschaden 2014; 28 (4): 188-192. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1366874

Ruedl G, Fink C, Schranz A, Sommersacher R, Nachbauer W, Burtscher M. Impact of environmental factors on knee injuries in male and female recreational skiers. Scan J Med Sci Spo 2012: 22: 185-189. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01286.x

Ruedl G, R Sommersacher, T Woldrich, W Nachbauer, M Burtscher. Ergebnisse der Österreichischen Skiunfallerhebung aus der Wintersaison 2008/2009. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Alpinunfälle 2009, Innsbruck 2010: 54-60

Ruedl G, R Sommersacher, T Woldrich, W Nachbauer, M Burtscher. Ergebnisse der Österreichischen Skiunfallerhebung aus der Wintersaison 2007/2008. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Alpinunfälle 2008, Innsbruck 2009: 56-60

Burtscher M, Sommersacher R, Ruedl G, Nachbauer W. Potential risk factors for knee injuries in alpine skiers, Journal of ASTM International 2009,
6 (1), 73-76, Paper ID: JAI101378

Ruedl G, R Sommersacher, T Woldrich, W Nachbauer, M Burtscher. Ergebnisse der Österreichischen Skiunfallerhebung aus der Wintersaison 2006/2007. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Alpinunfälle 2007, Innsbruck: 56-60

Ruedl G, Flatz M, Gatterer H, Hotter B, Nachbauer W, Sommersacher R, Woldrich T, Burtscher M. Das weibliche Knie im alpinen Skilauf: Ergebnisse des Frauen-Pow(d)er-Projekt. In: Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Hg.). Sicherheit im Bergland. Jahrbuch 06, Innsbruck: 80-85. Erratum 2007

Studien zur Geschwindigkeitsmessung auf der Skipiste in Kooperation mit dem Österreichischen Skiverband (ÖSV)

Brunner F, Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M. Factors associated with the perception of speed among recreational skiers. PLOS One 2015 Jun 29; 10 (6): e0132002. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132002

Vorarlberger Skiunfallstudie in Kooperation mit dem österreichischen Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit (KfV)

Ruedl G, Benedetto K, Fink C, Bauer R, Burtscher M. Factors associated with self-reported failure of binding to release among recreational skiers: an epidemiological study. Current Issues in sport Science 2016; Vol 1. Doi: 10.15203/CISS_2016.003

Ruedl G, Kopp M, Burtscher M, Bauer R, Benedetto K. Ursachen und Einflussfaktoren von Personenkollisionen auf der Skipiste. sportverl sportschad 2013; 27: 100-104. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1330767

Ruedl G, Bauer R, Pfanner M, Rein F, Burtscher M, Benedetto K. Ursachen und Risikofaktoren von Verletzungen im Skiurlaub. Dtsch Z sportmed 2013; 64 (2):52-56. doi: 10.5960/dzsm.2012.050

Bauer R, Ruedl G, Pfanner M, Rein F, Burtscher M, Benedetto K. Wie gefährlich sind Snowboarden und Schifahren? Aktuelle Ergebnisse einer Pistenunfallstudie aus Vorarlberg. sport- & Präventivmedizin 2012; 42 (3): 6-9

Studien in Kooperation mit dem Internationalen Olympischen Komitee (IOC)

Ledochowski L, Unterrainer C, Ruedl G, Schnitzer M, Kopp M. Quality of life, coach behaviour and competitive anxiety in winter youth olympic games participants. BJSM 2012; 46: 1044-1047. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091539

Blank C, Schamasch P, Engebretsen L, Haslinger S, Ruedl G, Fink C, Schobersberger W. Medical services at the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games 2012 in Innsbruck/Austria. BJSM 2012; 46: 1048-1054. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091602