‘It’s All Downhill from Here’: A Scoping Review of Sports-Related Concussion (SRC) Protocols in Downhill Mountain Biking (DHI), with Recommendations for SRC Policy in Professional DMB

Michael McLarnon, Stephen H. Boyce, Neil Fisher and Neil Heron ()
Additional contact information
Michael McLarnon: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT9 7AB, UK
Stephen H. Boyce: Emergency Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK
Neil Fisher: UK Athletics, Birmingham B42 2BE, UK
Neil Heron: British Cycling, Manchester M11 4DQ, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-12

Abstract: Introduction: Downhill mountain biking (DHI) is a form of cycling and does not currently have a specific sports-related concussion (SRC) assessment. Objective: To review the extent, range and nature of research investigating SRC in DMB, provide a summary of key literature findings relating to its identification and management, and then develop a SRC protocol specific to DMB. Design: Scoping review as per recognised methods. Setting: Literature-based. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science, with no restrictions on date. Results were limited to the English language. Participants: Six articles were included in the review from 64 identified articles. The article had to specifically include an analysis of adult downhill riders for inclusion. Outcome measures: Study type, study group (amateur/professional), concussion incidence, concussion assessment and recommendations. Main Results: Concussion incidence was identified as between 5–23%. No study outlined a trackside assessment of cyclists or a protocol for return to play where SRC was identified. Several authors identified that riders often continued to participate despite the presence of a concussion. No sport-specific SRC assessment was determined for DHI, and a SRC assessment was therefore developed. Conclusions: This review illustrates the lack of studies and formal protocol in SRC assessment for DHI. In light of this, we propose a three-stage framework specific to the sport to best identify a concussion and act where appropriate while minimising disruption to competition. This framework involves assessing the cyclist on the ‘sideline’, a second assessment post-event in the medical room and a third assessment the following day. A SRC consensus meeting specific for DHI is suggested with an identified need for updated guidance from UCI, requiring possible rule changes for the sport.

Keywords: sports-related concussion; concussion; downhill mountain bike (DMB); head trauma assessment; consensus meeting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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