Pedal power pays off: the benefits of mountain biking outweigh the risks, research shows
New Curtin research into injuries suffered by trail users has found that mountain biking is not the dangerous, injury-ridden sport reserved for thrill seekers and that the health benefits outweigh the risks.
Researchers analyzed data from dozens of studies around the world, including Australia, involving 220,935 injured mountain bikers and 17,757 injured hikers. The study aimed to identify the types of injuries and the body parts affected to understand the medical treatment of such cases.
Lead author, PhD candidate Paul Braybrook, from Curtin’s School of Nursing, said mountain bikers were mainly injured to their upper limbs, usually resulting in bruises, scrapes and minor cuts, while walkers were prone to injuries to their legs and ankles and mainly suffered from blisters and ankle sprains. .
“Mountain biking and hiking are among the fastest growing recreational activities in the world, so understanding the spectrum of injuries is critical to effective medical care,” Braybrook said.
“Despite the common perception that mountain biking is an ‘extreme’ sport, we found that most reported injuries were of low severity. Although there were high rates of ankle sprains in hikers and arm fractures in mountain bikers, with one study of the latter reporting more than half suffered head injuries, highlighting the importance of a good quality helmet.
“As the popularity of both pursuits has increased, so has the quality of trails, bikes, shoes and protective equipment, reducing the risk of serious injury.
“In the case of mountain biking, there has also been a cultural shift away from the more extreme or ‘radical’ riding style that was synonymous with the sport when it first emerged decades ago in places like Colorado and California.”
Mr Braybrook said the risk of injury from mountain biking or walking outweighs the significant benefits.
“Mountain biking and hiking bring economic gains through tourism and the obvious health benefits of physical activity, including improvements in cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, high blood cholesterol and diabetes type 2,” Braybrook said.
“With spring weather just around the corner, people should take the opportunity to regularly head to the nearest trail for a run or walk – these are fun activities, great for fitness and with only the occasional scratch or bruise as result.”
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