Concussion knowledge and attitudes amongst competitive cyclists

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the concussion knowledge and attitudes of UK competitive road cyclists to identify gaps in knowledge and assess attitudes. This was a cross-sectional study using 118 UK competitive cyclists, spanning a range of ages and abilities. An adapted Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey (RoCKAS) was administered to the participants. The RoCKAS contained separate knowledge and attitude sections (possible scores ranged from 0-33 and 15-75, respectively). A cohort analysis was conducted to examine for differences in attitudes amongst the participants. The mean score for concussion knowledge was 26.4 ± 4.12 and 63.1 ± 6.4 for concussion attitude. Statistically significant differences were found in attitudes between the 49-58 age group and the 19-28 age group (p=0.013). Significant differences were also found between competitive cyclists and recreational cyclists who trained but did not race. The results of this study suggest that UK competitive cyclists have moderate concussion knowledge and good concussion symptom recognition. A cohort analysis shows that youth are less concerned about concussion than older participants and higher ability groups were associated with more dangerous attitudes. These findings can help inform targeted educational interventions in cycling to improve concussion awareness, reporting behaviors, and concussion management behaviors.

An Investigation into Helmet Use, Perceptions of Sports-Related Concussion, and Seeking Medical Care for Head Injury amongst Competitive Cyclists

“…In line with current evidence, it is recommended that governing bodies and practitioners in the sport place efforts on increasing education around helmets and SRC, as well as awareness around SRC in cycle sports more broadly. This is something that previous research is currently lacking [9,10,43]. Furthermore, a recent scoping review from Scullion and Heron [57] on concussion guidelines in amateur sports in the UK found British Cycling to be one of only two governing bodies to not have published SRC guidelines available to the public.…”

“…Cycling has also been identified as one of the leading causes for mild traumatic brain injury in US emergency departments [ 14 ]. Previous research has highlighted that competitive cyclists would not disclose SRC in order to remain in competition [ 10 , 20 , 43 ].…”

“…Whilst much of the scientific and cultural focus of SRC has been on contact sports, particularly American Football [ 7 ] and Rugby [ 8 ], there have been concerns raised amongst cycle sports [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Bicycling, recreationally and competitively, is an increasingly popular activity across the world.…”

“…In recent years, there have been concerns raised in road cycling disciplines regarding concussion incidence, policy, and attitudes amongst athletes [ 9 ]; however, research remains somewhat limited in this area [ 10 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. In mountain biking and bicycle motocross (BMX), Hurst and colleagues [ 12 , 22 , 23 ] report that these athletes may be at risk of sub-concussive brain trauma due to the uneven terrain encountered.…”

“…In their study, only 12.8% of the sample ( n = 672) correctly reported that helmets were not able to prevent concussion. When this finding is coupled with the low reporting rates and dangerous attitudes toward concussion typical amongst competitive cyclists [ 10 , 43 ], an area in need of further research can be highlighted. In addressing this gap in knowledge, this research sought to establish competitive cyclists’ perceptions of helmet use, SRC and seeking of medical care for potential head injury.…”