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Biomechanical Risk Factors for Head Impact during Falls in Mountain Biking.
Rickie Ma1, Sukhman Gosal1, Freddie Kim1
1Injury Prevention and Mobility Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C, V5A 1S6, Canada.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|November 10, 2025
Summary
Over half of mountain biking (MTB) falls result in head impact, increasing traumatic brain injury (TBI) risk. Forward falls, wheel slippage, and jumps elevate head impact odds, while older riders and dismounting reduce them.
Area of Science:
- Sports medicine
- Biomechanics
- Injury prevention
Background:
- Mountain biking (MTB) falls frequently cause injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Head impact during falls is a primary determinant of TBI risk in MTB.
- Limited data exists on the frequency and risk factors for head impact during MTB falls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the frequency and risk factors for head impact during recreational and competitive MTB falls.
- To address the knowledge gap regarding head impact in MTB falls.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 300 videos of real-life MTB falls (150 recreational, 150 competitive).
- Structured questionnaire used to analyze each video.
- Logistic regression to identify factors influencing head impact probability.
Main Results:
- Head impact occurred in 52.0% of all MTB falls.
- No significant difference in head impact rates between recreational and competitive riders.
- Increased odds of head impact associated with falling forward, wheel slippage, and jumps.
- Decreased odds of head impact with rider age and dismounting during descent.
Conclusions:
- Over half of MTB falls lead to head impact, with risk influenced by rider and fall characteristics.
- Identifying high-risk fall types can inform targeted MTB safety interventions.
- Findings can guide MTB skills training, protective gear design, and trail development.
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