Recreational mountain biking injuries

Emerg Med J. 2011 Apr;28(4):274-9. doi: 10.1136/emj.2009.086991. Epub 2010 Jul 20.

Abstract

Mountain biking is increasing in popularity worldwide. The injury patterns associated with elite level and competitive mountain biking are known. This study analysed the incidence, spectrum and risk factors for injuries sustained during recreational mountain biking. The injury rate was 1.54 injuries per 1000 biker exposures. Men were more commonly injured than women, with those aged 30-39 years at highest risk. The commonest types of injury were wounding, skeletal fracture and musculoskeletal soft tissue injury. Joint dislocations occurred more commonly in older mountain bikers. The limbs were more commonly injured than the axial skeleton. The highest hospital admission rates were observed with head, neck and torso injuries. Protective body armour, clip-in pedals and the use of a full-suspension bicycle may confer a protective effect.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Athletic Injuries / classification
  • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Bicycling / injuries*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Admission / statistics & numerical data
  • Prospective Studies
  • Protective Devices
  • Recreation
  • Risk Factors
  • Triage
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology