Cognitive symptoms out last physical post cycling crash

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to gain off-road cyclists self-reported views on the severity of a concussion post-crash from a short-term (24hours) and a long-term (8 weeks) perspective. The study also aimed to ascertain if the crash had any long-term effects on the rider's quality of life (QOL).

Method
The study used two established questionnaires to establish rider perspectives. The Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire was administered to determine understanding of short-term symptoms, along with the Rivermead Head Injury Follow-Up Questionnaire, to establish long-term and QOL issues. A total of 76 amateur cyclists completed the survey.

Results
The survey looked at both physical and cognitive symptoms post-crash. The riders reported cognitive and affective/QOL as having a higher impact on them than any physical injury post-crash. The results of this survey also indicate that cognitive impairment had longer negative impact on their QOL than any physical injuries.

Conclusion
The findings from the current study infer that cognitive impairment post cycle crash need a greater focus from both sports bodies and employers.