Rodeo Athletes & Neck Pain
This is another fascinating study that compared the post-motor vehicle accident (MVA) self-reported outcome of “regular” folks to rodeo riders.
Rodeo athletes and spectators attending rodeo events were asked to recall their car accident experience.
Results:
| Spectators
(regular folks) |
Rodeo Riders
(athletes) |
| Recalled being in an MVA | |
| 59% | 47% |
| Recalled acute neck or back pain related to the accident | |
| 61% | 33% |
| Duration of symptoms | |
| 73 days (+/- 61 days) | 30 days (+/- 14 days) |
| Recalled symptoms lasting > 60 days | |
| 15% | 0% |
| Average # Weeks taken off work post MVA | |
| Less than 3 weeks | Greater than 6 weeks |
The type of vehicle and occupation types were the same for both groups.
The million dollar question…
Why do rodeo athletes appear to be more resistant than spectators to developing prolonged pain and disability after similar car accidents?
Are they tougher? Stronger? Less pain focused?
Reference: Shannon AL et al Alberta rodeo athletes do not develop the chronic whiplash syndrome. J Rheumatol. 2006 May;33(5):975-7.
Rodeo
