Concussions from mountain biking crashes on the rise – don’t get back on the bike, get checked out
As the popularity of mountain biking surges New Plymouth health professionals are warning young riders to take head knocks seriously and get checked by a doctor before getting back on their bike.
In Taranaki much of the growth in mountain biking has come via the New Plymouth Mountain Bikers Club, which has gone from 250 members five years ago to just under 1400 now.
But as the number of kids engaging in the sport at places like Lake Mangamahoe goes up, so does the number of concussions.
Occupational therapist Kathy James said she and neuropsychologist Matthew Manderson were not trying to discourage youngsters from mountain biking, but were concerned about kids continuing to ride after hitting their heads.
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