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

Jack Hardwicke*, Brett A. Baxter, Tim Gamble, Howard Hurst

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate competitive cyclists’ helmet use, perceptions of sports-related concussion (SRC), and medical-care-seeking behaviors. A mixed-method approach was used with qualitative and quantitative data presented. The study comprised of a cross-sectional analysis of 405 competitive cyclists who completed an online survey. Results indicated that most participants believed a bicycle helmet protects against SRC (79.5%) and considerable numbers of participants would not seek medical care for potential head injury in scenarios where this would be recommended. It was also discovered that marketing of concussion reduction technology influences cyclists’ helmet-purchasing behaviors. With the data presented, it is recommended that governing bodies in cycling need to develop educational resources to address gaps in knowledge regarding SRC amongst cyclists. We also suggest that more independent research on concussion reduction technologies in bicycle helmets is needed, with advertising supported by clear scientific evidence to avoid negatively influencing head injury management and reporting behaviors amongst cyclists.
Original languageEnglish
Article number2861
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume19
Issue number5
Early online date1 Mar 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2022

Keywords

  • competitive cycling
  • helmets
  • medical care seeking behaviors
  • sports-related concussion

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