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Recent research from the University of British Columbia indicates that mountain bikers face a heightened risk of spinal cord injury compared to participants in other high-intensity sports such as hockey, skiing, and snowboarding. The study, published in the journal Neurotrama Reports, details 58 spinal cord injuries associated with mountain biking in British Columbia from 2008 to 2022.
During the same timeframe, only three spinal cord injuries were reported among hockey players. The findings reveal that injuries linked to mountain biking were seven times more prevalent than those related to skiing and snowboarding in recent years. Furthermore, the annual rate of spinal cord injuries associated with mountain biking was found to be comparable to or even higher than those connected to amateur football across the United States.
Dr. Brian Kwon, a spine surgeon at Vancouver General Hospital and the study’s author, emphasized the severity of the potential injuries mountain bikers face. He noted, “Many may not recognize the risk of suffering a life-altering spinal cord injury leading to paralysis.” This stark reality contrasts with more common injuries, such as a collarbone fracture.
The impetus for the study stemmed from Kwon’s observations of significant injury rates among individuals frequenting mountain bike parks. Utilizing data from the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry, the research revealed that the majority of those injured were healthy young men, with 93 percent of the injuries affecting males and an average age of over 35 years.
Most injuries resulted from individuals being ejected from their bicycles, accounting for over three-quarters of the cases. Notably, nearly 90 percent of the injured riders were wearing helmets at the time of the incidents. About 12 percent of the injuries were due to collisions, while less than nine percent occurred from other causes. Remarkably, only 4.5 percent of the injured riders lacked protective gear.
Dr. Kwon expressed a desire to gain further insight into the conditions surrounding these injuries. He hypothesized that fatigue could play a role, suggesting that injuries may occur more frequently towards the end of the day when riders are likely to be more exhausted.
Among the documented injuries, more than one in four were categorized as “motor complete” spinal cord injuries, indicating a total loss of motor function below the injury site. This group included 14 individuals who sustained tetraplegia or quadriplegia, affecting both arms and legs, and 13 who experienced paraplegia, impacting only the legs.
The financial implications of these injuries are significant. The study estimates that the long-term costs for the province will reach nearly $200 million, encompassing healthcare expenses, rehabilitation, patient support, and loss of productivity over the course of the patients’ lifetimes.
The findings highlight a critical public health concern regarding the safety of mountain biking as a sport. As participation in mountain biking continues to grow, it is imperative for stakeholders, including cyclists, park operators, and healthcare professionals, to address potential safety measures and raise awareness about the risks associated with the sport. Enhanced training on riding techniques, the importance of wearing protective gear, and the need for safer park designs may contribute to reducing injury rates among mountain bikers.