Unique study finds female cyclists at greater risk of injury in downhill mountain biking

A unique focus

This observational research was carried out by the UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (UKCCIIS), an International Olympic Research Centre based at Moray House School of Education and Sport, in collaboration with Queens University Belfast (QUB) and the world cycling body Union Cycliste Internationale. Professor Debbie Palmer, Moray House, was the lead in setting up this study and data collection in collaboration with PhD student Thomas Fallon, QUB. It evaluated a cohort of 230 elite female cyclists in Downhill Mountain Biking (DHMTB) during the 2023 World Championships in Fort William. Unique in its focus on injury severity and medical actions during official racing and training, the study was conducted by a team of injury epidemiologists who identified the most common injuries, the cause and ways to minimise identified risks.  

These findings could have significant implications for injury prevention and recovery, as they reveal that female cyclists were at a much greater risk of injury, especially head injuries and concussions, with all bone fractures being present in female athletes. Of the study participants, 25.6% of female cyclists encountered injury, compared to 9.2% of male cyclists. These findings meant that female athletes have a 2.21% higher risk of injury than their fellow male athletes and lost 12.6 days due to their injuries, compared to 5.5 days in men.

Call to action

The study highlights areas where event leaders and athletes could make improvements and adjustments to help mitigate injuries, such as further strength training and surveillance at events. The research suggests enhancing work around neck strength and concussions in DHMTB to address female athletes' weaker neck strength. It further highlights the impact that male and female athletes wearing helmets of a similar weight could contribute to further neck injuries and concussion in females - something that has not yet been explored in DHMTB. 

Another action highlighted by the researchers calls for carrying out further surveillance at events. They also recommend pre-event training in helmet removal, neck stabilisation and lifting injured athletes.

Related information:

The BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine journal

The Independent: News story 

Edinburgh Sports Medicine Research Network (ESMRN) | Moray House School of Education and Sport

Dr Debbie Palmer