The risk of non-traumatic myelopathy in time trial (TT) or downhill (DH) bike position

Non-traumatic and ischemic myelopathy, which may develop in cyclists using the TT or DH position, is a minor syndrome and a new concept of myelopathy in triathletes that physicians may encounter in cyclists who race. Some athletes develop neck pain, headache, and numbness of arms (hands) or legs when using the TT or DH position with neck extension and strained body. Not all instances of these symptoms are myelopathy, but a few cases may involve mild myelopathy. Because many athletes change riding position in cycling, there may be very few cases of complete myelopathy. To date, we have experienced no patients with this myelopathy, and this report is intended solely to raise awareness of the possibility of this myelopathy among athletes and physicians. For athletes, we recommend education and awareness to prevent TT or DH position myelopathy and to avoid progressive deterioration of neurologic function. It is essential to adjust one`s bicycle to obtain an appropriate riding position and to rehydrate appropriately. (Conclusion)
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Bibliographic Details
Subjects:
Notations:endurance sports biological and medical sciences
Tagging:Zeitfahren
Published in:Journal of Sports Medicine & Doping Studies
Language:English
Published: 2017
Online Access:http://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0673.1000187
Volume:7
Issue:1
Pages:187
Document types:article
Level:advanced