Overuse Injuries Associated with Mountain Biking: Is Single-Speed Riding a Predisposing Factor?

Michael Lebec,Drew Baumgartel,Kortny Cook

doi:10.3390/sports2010001

Abstract

Though mountain bikers are at significant risk for overuse injury, there is minimal quality research describing this relationship. Single-speed mountain biking, in which participants pedal a bike with only a single gear, may place riders at even greater risk for overuse problems due to the disproportionate physical effort associated with this type of riding. The focus of this study was to provide additional perspective on overuse injuries sustained by mountain bikers and to determine if single-speed mountain biking places participants at greater risk for overuse conditions. Four hundred and four (404) mountain bikers were surveyed concerning overuse injuries sustained during the previous year. Findings indicate that 63% of respondents reported an overuse injury affecting at least one area with the most commonly reported areas being the lumbar spine, knees, hand/wrist, and cervical spine. Individuals riding single-speed mountain bikes did not have a higher incidence of overuse injuries than riders of multiple-geared bikes. However, respondents who split time between riding single-speed and multiple-geared bikes were significantly more likely to report an overuse syndrome than those only riding single-speed or multiple-geared bikes (p = 0.0104). This group of riders may be at greater risk for overuse injury due to excessive fatigue and poor biomechanics.

Highlights

The sport of mountain biking has evolved from a niche hobby to a mainstream activity in a relatively short period of time
When considering all anatomic areas included in the survey, statistical analysis with logistic regression indicated no significant differences in overuse injury syndromes sustained by speed mountain bikes (SS) riders
78% of individuals who reported spending a substantial amount of time riding both types of bikes (SS/multiple gears (MG)) reported sustaining an overuse injury in at least one area of the body

Summary

Introduction

The sport of mountain biking has evolved from a niche hobby to a mainstream activity in a relatively short period of time. Just a few decades ago, a small group of outdoor enthusiasts modified bicycles originally designed for riding on paved surfaces so they could efficiently travel on dirt roads and trails [1] Though these modified rigs bore minimal resemblance to today’s mountain bikes, these early pioneers were the inspiration for what is considered a very popular outdoor activity. Off-road cycling involves pedaling over rocks, roots, ledges, drops, and other variable terrain These added challenges generate unpredictable vibration forces that the bike and/or the rider’s body must absorb [5]. This combination of repetitive motion and micro-trauma creates tissue stress which may eventually result in overuse injury syndromes. With a large proportion of recreational athletes participating in mountain biking, a significant number of individuals are at risk for overuse problems associated with the sport

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