Mayo Clinic of Rochester to Study Motocross Injuries
In an unprecedented move Spring Creek MX Park, home to the Millville National Pro Motocross race, has teamed up with the Mayo Clinic of Rochester to study motocross injuries - specifically concussions. In a study done at the Mayo Clinic last year, it was discovered that roughly thirty percent of the injuries in motocross are concussions. The goals of the study are to study concussion occurrence and set up protocols for returning to racing safely. The factor that makes this so ground breaking is the fact that this study team consists of an old but avid motocross racer, orthopedic surgeons that are interested in the sport, and one of the countries' leading concussion specialists. The study consists of a multipage survey the racer completes, and then should the racer suffer a concussion or other injury, follow up surveys will be used, and if necessary the racer will be seen at the Mayo Clinic for follow up. This is the first time that the racers have been involved in setting up a study. In light of this year's moto tragedies we need to learn what are the major causes of injuries and if our protective equipment is as effective as it could or should be. The Mayo Clinic has developed return to activity protocols for several sports such as hockey and football. "This is our chance to become involved in making the sport better for all us that race," says Mike Quinn, an anesthetist and long-time MX racer, and chairman of AMA District 23. It is one of the first examples of racing and medicine working together.
During the July 15th open practice at Millville’s Spring Creek MX Park, Dr. A MacIntosh will be on hand to introduce the study to any racers interested. Medical Edge will also be on hand to do some filming and interview Jeremy Martin about his career and some of his injuries sustained. Any racer that is interested in enrolling in the study is welcome to register. To register, the racer only needs to come to the July 15th practice or race the Donny Schmit Amateur Memorial Race and sign-up with Dr. A MacIntosh.
