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First a little controversy for you Six Flags fans:
Study disputes theory that roller coasters can injure brain
By Michael Rubinkam (Associated Press)
October 17, 2002
Study disputes theory that roller coasters can injure brain
By Michael Rubinkam (Associated Press)
October 17, 2002
PHILADELPHIA - Researchers who looked at the impact of G-forces on the head and neck say in a new study that roller coasters aren't as dangerous as previous studies suggest. Other researchers disputed the findings.
The University of Pennsylvania researchers who conducted the latest study looked at data from rides at three parks and developed a mathematical model calculating the effect of gravitational force. They found that roller coasters don't produce enough ''head rotational acceleration'' to cause either bleeding or swelling of the brain.
Dr. Robert J. Braksiek, who co-wrote a study of roller coaster injuries in January's issue of Annals of Emergency Medicine, said the new research fails to account for reported injuries. ''Roller coasters do cause brain injury. ... Although rare, it does happen,'' he said.
Markey said the researchers based their conclusions on the effect of coasters on ''normal healthy individuals'' rather than children or adults with pre-existing medical conditions.
And now something for the male bicycle enthusiasts.
Mountain Biking Linked to Infertility
By LINDSEY TANNER, AP Medical Writer
CHICAGO (AP) - Frequent mountain-biking may reduce fertility in men, according to a small Austrian study that adds fodder to a debate over cycling and male sexual function. The research suggests frequent jolts and vibration caused by biking over rough terrain may cause abnormalities, including small scars within the scrotum and impaired sperm production.
Dr. Ferdinand Frauscher, a urology-radiology specialist at University Hospital in Innsbruck, Austria, said he studied about 55 avid mountain bikers and found nearly 90 percent had low sperm counts and scrotal abnormalities. Only 26 percent of the 35 non-bikers he studied had similar damage.
Whether the abnormalities were severe enough to make fathering a child difficult is uncertain, though some of the bikers studied had already experienced difficulty conceiving, Frauscher said.
His study looked at fertility rather than impotence, which was linked to recreational cycling in research heavily publicized in 1997.
Frauscher said men shouldn't avoid mountain biking because of the study, but should perhaps consider investing in bikes with shock absorbers or suspension systems designed to reduce the jolting.
On the other hand, Dr. Sangili Chandran, a sports medicine specialist at Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago said, "Even if the results are corroborated in future studies, very few mountain biking enthusiasts are logging enough miles to worry about any fertility impairment."
The above is not meant to be medical advice. Please read the attached Disclaimer, Etc.
Best wishes. Dr. Rehert
Best wishes. Dr. Rehert
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