Long-Term Cumulative Effects of Repeated Concussions in Cyclists: A Neurophysiological and Sensorimotor Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Medicine
• Traumatology

Background:

• Sports-related concussion (SRC) is common in contact sports, but cyclists also face risks.
• Long-term neurophysiological effects of repetitive concussions in cyclists are not well understood.
• This study examines chronic neurophysiological and cognitive-motor outcomes in cyclists with a history of concussion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term effects of repetitive concussions in cyclists.
• To compare neurophysiology and cognitive-motor performance in symptomatic cyclists, asymptomatic cyclists, and controls.
• To identify potential chronic neurophysiological alterations associated with persistent concussion symptoms in cycling.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study comparing 25 concussed cyclists (15 symptomatic, 10 asymptomatic) with 20 age-matched controls.
• Assessments included symptom reporting, SCAT5 (cognitive and balance), sensorimotor testing (vibrotactile stimulation), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Main Results:

• Symptomatic cyclists reported more concussions and showed impaired concentration compared to controls (large effect size).
• Motor assessments revealed slower tandem gait and increased errors in symptomatic cyclists.
• Sensorimotor tests indicated slower reaction times and poorer temporal order judgment.
• TMS showed increased cortical inhibition (prolonged cortical silent periods) and reduced short-interval intracortical inhibition in symptomatic cyclists.

Conclusions:

• Cyclists with persistent concussion symptoms exhibit significant cortical inhibition and impaired cognitive-motor performance.
• Repetitive concussions in cycling can lead to chronic neurophysiological changes, similar to contact sports.
• Enhanced concussion identification and management strategies are crucial for cycling disciplines to mitigate long-term consequences.