Click me
Transcribed

The Hard Knocks of Riding Motocross

THE HARD KNOCKS OF MOTOCROS RIDING The speed, the competition, the danger - it's an addictive adrenaline rush, which is why so many riders love it. Characteristics of a Successful Motocross Racer One of the most physically demanding sports in the world Higher BMI & maximum aerobic power • Higher grip & leg strength • Stronger left non-dominant arm (from using the clutch) High heart rates during racing proving the aerobic demand of the race V Physical Fitness Studies have shown motocross racers have: Jumps, turns, high-speed landings and controlling a bike at maximum speed demand top physical fitness. *Strength and Endurance Confidence is required to get back on a bike after a fall, focus is needed to stay aware of what is happening in the race and composure is a must for quick saves and fast changes when required on the track. V Mental Training For these reasons, intense aerobic and anaerobic training can improve a racer's competitive advantage. COMMON MOTOCROSS INJURIES • Sprained Knee (ACL Injuries) & Leg Fractures •A blow to the outslde of the knee •A contraction of the thigh muscle when a sudden change In direction occurs • Injured when landing from a Jump onto a bent knee • Landing on a knee that Is hyperextended Broken Ankle • Caused by colliding with another bike or a hit by the rider's own bike • Can also be caused by an awkward landing • Sprained Shoulder Complex (Jolnt) Spinal Cord Injuries • Most Motocross back Injurles are to the cervical spine • A blow hard enough can result In paralysis or death • Caused by falling onto elther the tip of the shoulder or onto an outstretched hand • Sudden stops can throw the rider over the handlebars and onto shoulder tips Broken Wrists • Most common broken bone for riders • Caused by a fall on an outstretched hand Broken Collarbone • Most frequently broken bone for boys • Caused by a fall from the bike resulting in direct impact on the collar bone or by landing on an outstretched arm Concussion • Roughly 30% of the injuries sustained in motocross are concussions • Caused by a blow to the head Motocross Full Safety Gear Grips that have treads or texture on bike handlebars Wear Gloves with rubber/textured palms to hold handlebars more effectively A good Helmet has a snug fit & is comfortable & made specifically for motocross (Extra chin protection, visors and full-face protection avoids injury from flying rocks) Good Goggles protect your eyes & should fit comfortably under your helmet An effective Neck brace should limit hyperextension & hyperflexion DOT 7 Snell-approved helmets are the safety standard as well as approval by the Department of Transportation (look for safety stickers on helmet) The Leatt neck brace is the most sophisticated on the market Body Armor should provide shoulder & arm cushioning (If you have a previous shoulder injury, wearing a support while riding can help further injury) Chest Protector with a chest plate, collarbone protection, full spine protection & a kidney belt (Good chest protector will provide extra padding & full am protection) Pants with built-in knee & leg protection Gloves should have built-in wrist support and cover the wrist area (Wrist-braces can be used under gloves for extra support) Knee Braces made for ACL protection with side-stabilizers, knee cap support & cushioning all around the knee O Knee Pads Boots with enough support to sta- blize the entire leg can keep knee from incorrect rotation (Boots should fit snugly, but have good ventilation) High-quality Boots protect shins from impact & joints from hyperextending with metal-reinforced soles, thermal shields, polyurethane shin & calf plates, shock-absorbing heel pads Stabilize ankles with a solid brace Preventive Tips: (Action) Preventing Wrist Injury Learn how to fall. Tuck your arms across your chest and roll. Preventing Broken Collarbones • 50% of injuries happen at bends in the track so be super aware when cornering. • Try to anticipate your obstacles. Preventing Broken Ankles •Avoid tricky dismounts if you are uncertain of falling properly. •Roll when you land instead of trying to land on your feet. • Practice dismounts at slower speeds to get them right (preferably with your friend's bike). Preventing Shoulder Injury • Keep your shoulders strong to keep the elbows-up posture in riding. • Stretching & strength-building will help protect your shoulder complex. Preventing Sprained Knees & Leg Fractures • Learn a proper dismount. • Let past ACL injuries heal before riding again. Every time the ACL is injured it becomes weaker. Preventing Concussions Full recovery from a motocross concussion before returning to racing is essential. • Seven days is the average time period for recovery. • Balance problems usually disappear in 7-14 days. • 75% of repeat concussions happen within seven days of original injury; 92% within 10 days. • Fatalities from inter-cranial bleeding happen when concussion symptoms persist unchecked or the rider returns to play too early. Never return to play the same day as suffering a concussion - rapid brain swelling & herniation caused by a 2nd concussion is fatal in 50% of cases and can cause severe brain damage in survivors. Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries • Familiarize yourself with the track. • Try to roll if you fall. Sources: • www.motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/3479.aspx • www.pointssports.com/surprising-statistics-the-five-most-startlingly-dangerous-sports/ www.physioroom.com/sports/motocross/6_broken_ankle.php • www.sandersclinic.net/common_shoulder.html • ezinearticles.com/?Important-Motocross-Gears&id=5198682 • www.motorcycle.com/how-to/motocross-protective-gear-guide-90399.html • www.cyaprotectivegear.com/InformationCenter.aspx?Sport=Motocross+%26+ATV&InfoCenter=true#TheBasics • www.totalprosports.com/2012/06/08/11-most-dangerous-sports/#11 www.leatt-brace.com/images/uploads/accident_form/Injury_Stats.pdf • www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/FMX_2010_Best_List_of_Freestyle_Motocross_Tricks • hintexas.hubpages.com/hub/Motocross-Racing • www.racerxvt.com/article/head-injuries • www.dirtrider.com/features/144_0612_head_injuries_concussion/ • www.racerxvt.com/virtual_trainer/Dr_A_heart_rate.html • www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/60177/motorcycles/an_overview_of_motocross_boots.html • Mxtrainingjournal.com

The Hard Knocks of Riding Motocross

shared by TheVisualizer on Oct 24
580 views
2 share
0 comments
It's no secret that motocross riders are tough as nails. This graphic covers the physical demands of motocross riding as well as the most common injuries motocross riders are subject to. See what prot...

Category

Sports
Did you work on this visual? Claim credit!

Get a Quote

Embed Code

For hosted site:

Click the code to copy

For wordpress.com:

Click the code to copy
Customize size