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Abstract
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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 Arksey and O' Malley., (2005) and informed by Levac et al., (2010). 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 concussion. No sport-specific SRC assessment was identified for DHI and a SRC assessment was therefore developed.
CONCLUSIONS: This review illustrates the lack of studies and formal pro-tocol in SRC assessment for DHI. In light of this, we propose a three stage framework specific to the sport, in order to best identify concussion and act where appropriate, whilst minimising dis-ruption to competition. This framework involves assessing the cyclist on the 'side-line', a second assessment post-event in the medical room and a third assessment the following day. A SRC con-sensus meeting specific for DHI is suggested with an identified need for updated guidance from UCI, requiring possible rule changes for the sport.
Language: en |