Results and submissions : REF 2021

Promoting Policies for Sustainable Mega Sport Events

Submitting institution: Edinburgh Napier University
Unit of assessment: 24 - Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism
Summary impact type: Societal
Is this case study continued from a case study submitted in 2014?: No

Download case study PDF

1. Summary of the impact

Mega sport events, such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup, have significant long-term effects on host nations. Therefore, embracing sustainable development is crucial. Research by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) evaluated the effects of contemporary mega sport events, as well as the role of key stakeholders in ensuring sustainable event legacies. The research findings informed the direction of UNESCO’s 2017 Action Plan in mega sport event policy. This led to sport ministers from 97 states committing to using mega sport events for infrastructure improvements, sustainable tourism and behavioural change campaigns. Ministers and organisers also took steps to foster transparency, good governance, and rigour in evaluation of mega sport event effects.

2. Underpinning research

Mega sport events can have both positive and negative long-term effects on host nations. The issue of legacy is widely documented in academic literature and the media, and remains a topic of debate. Balancing rapid development of event infrastructure, whilst encouraging long-term sustainable social benefits is a familiar tension. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of comprehensive evaluation of mega sport events as a holistic concept. Existing studies predominantly concern the effects in particular periods, in defined geographical settings, or to isolated sectors in society. The roles of stakeholders in the production of long-term sustainable effects are also under-researched. This previously limited understanding has led to missed opportunities for sustainable development via mega sport events, and worse, has contributed to planning mistakes and undesirable legacies.

This research sought to create significant and transnationally relevant impact from findings. As such, the studies gathered evidence from a range of events across a number of countries. The research reported here investigated these events in Greece [O1] the European Union area [O2] Qatar and Bahrain [O3, P2], Italy [O4], Germany [O5] and internationally [P1, O6]. The research was undertaken at ENU, in collaboration with colleagues in other institutions. Multidisciplinary, international research involved collaborations with Dr. Mahfoud Amara, Dr. Dan Musinguzi and Dr. Girish Nair in Qatar, Professors Laura Michelini and Genaro Iasevoli in Italy, Dr Sarah Snell in England and Ms Claire den Hertog in the Netherlands. The two principle aims of the research were:

To map the impact evaluation practices of event stakeholders.

Dr Theodoraki acted as consultant to the Athens Organising Committee for the 2004 Olympic Games. In 2009, she analysed official communications from the bid and organising committees, to understand how they evaluated and disseminated the long-term effects of this event [O1]. The research observed that the institutional structure behind the bid and host committees had great influence on its communication of long-term impacts. Obligations on behalf of the organising committees to the host nation and International Olympic Committee (IOC) also shaped communication efforts and influenced the legacy evaluation frameworks that were later employed.

In 2012, Dr Theodoraki analysed the effectiveness of indicators used to evaluate the economic impacts of pre-Olympic and pre-Commonwealth Games training visits to host cities [P1]. This revealed a plethora of different approaches to evaluation of long-term effects beyond the standard economic indicators and informed the research project funder on the potential of the Commonwealth Games to create economic impact in the pre-event stage. Following this, a similar study explored legacy evaluations of European City of Culture (ECoC) events [O2]. The research analysed evaluation documentation from events between 1985-2015, to illustrate the evolving character of evaluation from the different stakeholder perspectives. The findings revealed how methodologies are increasingly redefined and standardised over time by stakeholders, for greater rigour in evaluation. The work also captured an increase in requests for incorporating legacy plans in event bids, to improve positive long-term effects and avoid negative ones.

To explore the relationship between stakeholders, events, and long-term impacts

Research led by Dr Amara (Qatar University), with Dr Theodoraki, sought to explore how sports related projects such as the Doha Asian Games and Bahrain Formula 1 have led to regional development in the Arabian Peninsula [O3]. It identified the use of sporting values for increased brand awareness, the connection of global and local activity of stakeholders, and the role of royal families as key to the success of the overall operating network.

In 2013, Dr Theodoraki evaluated stakeholders’ perceptions of the potential and challenges to ensuring social behaviour change via the upcoming Qatar FIFA 2022 World Cup [P2]. The research found that there is high potential for social improvement in rapidly emerging professional localities. In anticipation of the event, stakeholders have high expectations for social improvement, but challenges have also been experienced by those who face conflicting priorities. In particular, the tension between meeting existing policy targets, and the event requirements, versus long-term legacy goals has created barriers. The relationship between large scale events and business outcomes was further explored in research led by Professors Michelini and Iasevoli (LUMSA University in Rome), with Dr Theodoraki [O4]. This focused on the Rome International Film Festival and measured whether attendee venue satisfaction had an impact on sponsorship outcomes, such as recall and purchase intention. Attitudes to sponsors were found to be influenced by venue satisfaction, and the authors also developed a new model of event sponsorship evaluation that considered the role of attendee venue satisfaction.

In 2018, the research team at ENU explored the impact potential of commemorative events on host cities [O5]. Using the example of the 20^th and 25^th anniversaries of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the research explored the role of these events in encouraging ‘event tourism’. The study concluded that such iconic-historic events should be recognised as significant contributors to tourism and host economies. In 2020, ENU award winning research explored how coherent brands can be successfully co-created by multiple stakeholders [O6]. Subsequently, the Olympic Games was used for context as an event with multiple stakeholders and a strong brand identity, in order to understand problems, solutions, and best practice for brand managers. It found that brands like the Olympic Games are best managed via negotiation between competing stakeholders, and by utilizing a number of online and offline engagement platforms. This also emphasises the role of stakeholder networks in understanding long-term effects of mega sport events.

3. References to the research

O1-O6 have been published following rigorous peer review. P2 is competitive, peer-reviewed funding.

- [O1] Theodoraki, E. (2009). Organisational communication on the impacts of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 1, (141-155). ISSN 1940-7963

DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/19407960902992191

- [O2] Theodoraki, E. (2015). Evaluation and legacy of the European capitals of culture: event owner and event hosts’ perspectives. Economia della Cultura, XXIV n. 2. ISSN 11227885. DOI: 10.1446/78865 - [O3] Amara, M., & Theodoraki, E. (2010). Transnational network formation through sports related regional development projects in the Arabian Peninsula. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 2(2), (135-158). 1940-6940. https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2010.488060

- [O4] Michelini, L., Iasevoli, G., Theodoraki, E. (2017). Event venue satisfaction and its impact on sponsorship outcomes. Event Management, Vol 21 (2) ISSN 1525-9951. DOI: https://doi-org.ezproxy.napier.ac.uk/10.3727/152599517X14942648527536

- [O5] Viol, M., Todd, L., Theodoraki, E., & Anastasiadou, C. (2018). The role of iconic-historic commemorative events in event tourism: Insights from the 20th and 25th anniversaries of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Tourism Management, 69, 246-262. ISSN: 0261-5177. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.06.018 Submitted to REF2.

- [O6] Tjandra, N., Rihova, I., Snell, S., den Hertog, C., & Theodoraki, E. (2020). Mega-events brand meaning co-creation: the Olympic case. Journal of Product & Brand Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JPBM-08-2019-2539 (Academy of Marketing Award, 2015).

- [P1] Economic impacts from pre-games training related activities of national teams attending the London 2012 Olympic and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games,1 Mar 2011 - 31 Jul 2012, Scottish Enterprise, Funder Award Reference: SPO132855, Contract research, PI, £5,000.

- [P2] Qatar National Research Fund - Leveraging the 2022 Qatar World Football Cup for the promotion of green and active living. A multiple stakeholder evaluation of strategic options,11 Jan, 2013 - 31 Mar 2016, Qatar National Research Fund, Peer-reviewed funding, PI, £156,500 (£40,512 to ENU).

4. Details of the impact

The research by ENU led to a clearer understanding of previous mega sport event planning and evaluation practices. It highlighted important and successful examples, as well as recognising the vital role played by networks of stakeholders in legacy planning. It also applied key findings to potential future plans to further improve sustainable social development.

Identified findings directly impacted public policy. The international scope of the findings, and close engagement with UNESCO, [text removed for publication], ministries and public sector organisations, led to implementation of policies, systems and reforms at a number of levels of sports governance. Main beneficiaries were; UNESCO and sports ministries in UNESCO member states, [text removed for publication], organising committees of mega sports events in the UK, public sector organisations in China, the Qatar Ministry of Public Health, and the Qatar Olympic Academy. The indicators of reach and significance of impact on public policy are found in: a) acknowledgements in UNESCO reports [C1, C2], and b) evidence of influence on debate in public policy and practice through distinctive contributions to expert panels and advice to government (at local, national or international level). [C3, C4, C5, C6, C9, C10]. The research has also led to awards and notable media recognition [C7, C8].

Impact on International Sport Policy Development

International sport policy development has been influenced by research findings on event evaluation practices [O1, O2, O3]. Findings on best planning and evaluation practice informed the UNESCO-led sport ministers 2017 Action Plan on managing the long-term effects of sport events, and the role of these events in sustainable development. The Ministers meeting at the Sixth International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS VI), held in Kazan (13-15 July 2017) expressed their ‘gratitude to all involved experts [Dr Theodoraki] for their commitment and contributions.’ [C1]. Ministers also confirmed that: ‘the consultations with the three expert Working Groups, as well as the establishment of a virtual working space for the working groups, made possible the further development of the sport policy follow-up framework’ [C1] .

Dr Theodoraki also participated as expert at the UNESCO event on Match Fixing and Corruption in Sport, Doha, Qatar in September 2015. She articulated a report she had authored on event assessment for Transparency International [C3], drawing on previous research findings [O1, O2, O3]. At the event, she brought awareness to international government representatives on the problem of mega sport event mega assessment [C2]. This supported the development of a network of policy agents committed to address the weaknesses on event evaluation and governance frameworks. UNESCO noted afterwards ‘ We should also like to express our gratitude to the speakers and experts [Dr Theodoraki] attending the meeting. The interest that they showed throughout both days of the meeting, together with their expert opinions, fuelled the discussion and highlight the various key measures in the fight against manipulation of sports competitions.’ [C2].

[text removed for publication]

Impact on Sustainability Assurance of Mega Sport Events in the UK

The research informed an assurance policy for sustainable events which was implemented for the London 2012 Olympic Games. This has led to a more sustainable legacy from the games through to present day. Dr Theodoraki was a core-commissioner member of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012. Her research on mega sport events [O1, O3, P1] informed the commission’s: a) recommendations to organisers and government departments and b) evaluations of their Olympic Games related sustainability plans. Based on the commission’s recommendations, organisers took remedial action, and guidance was issued to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee. In all, fourteen reports were published by the Commission.

The Independent evaluation of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 acknowledged that ‘[Theodoraki] had very significant expertise in the area of events’ assurance and the events’ industry.’ and also noted ‘CSL 2012 added greatly to the credibility of London 2012 and should be a model for future Olympics and other mega sporting events, like the Commonwealth Games, FIFA World Cup and Rugby World Cup’ [C5]. Ex-Mayor of London, and current UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on the role of providing expertise on the sustainability of the London Olympic Games, noted ‘ By being at the forefront of public commentary and assurance of the 2012 programme, you [Dr Theodoraki] have maintained a spotlight on London’s commitments and on our delivery against these. Your personal contribution to the Commission has been substantial, providing expertise in the area of event management and I commend you for your intellectual commitment, and for giving up your personal time in this endeavour.’ [C6].

Impact on CPD in Ministries and Sport Organisations in Qatar and China

The research findings on leveraging the FIFA 2022 World Cup for social behaviour change [P2] and on the impacts of various mega sport events and large-scale cultural events [P1, O1-O6] were widely covered in the media [C8]. This led to professional development and research dissemination programmes in Doha, in 2017, 2018 and 2019, hosted by the Qatar Olympic Academy. Approximately 20 participants attended each year from National Olympic Committees and National sport federations in Qatar, Yemen, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Qatar Olympic Academy then acknowledged Dr Theodoraki ‘in recognition of outstanding contribution and service to sports and athletes in the state of Qatar.’ [C7].

In 2019, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Municipality of Chengdu in China requested Dr Theodoraki to deliver professional development sessions to delegations of senior event managers. She was requested to cover her research to provide advice on the potential for social leveraging of forthcoming mega sport events hosted in China [C9]. [text removed for publication]

Mountain Biking Innovation: Delivering economic and societal benefits

Submitting institution: Edinburgh Napier University
Unit of assessment: 24 - Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism
Summary impact type: Societal
Is this case study continued from a case study submitted in 2014?: No

Download case study PDF

1. Summary of the impact

Research by Edinburgh Napier University has played a pivotal role in developing and establishing models of support to deliver economic benefit through innovative knowledge transfer activities. The establishment of the world’s first open innovation centre for mountain biking has delivered 87 innovation focused events, facilitated 161 collaborations, engaged with 245 businesses, facilitated 65 academic support searches and 43 student projects. The work carried out at the Centre has resulted in: the world’s first Government sponsored National Strategy for MTB Innovation; 9 new MTB businesses being launched; increased investment and turnover in new MTB businesses; establishment of the Scottish Bike Cluster and strategic partnerships with cycling and manufacturing industry bodies.

2. Underpinning research

The outbreak of foot and mouth in Scotland in 2001 had a devastating effect on the remote and rural economies of Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. In response to the problem, Government agencies came up with an area plan to develop 7 mountain biking sites across the region to encourage tourists to return. The Global Adventure Tourism market grew 195% between 2010 and 2013 to USD263billion (Adventure Trade Travel Association: Market Study 2013), whilst in Scotland there was an increase of 18% in mountain bike tourism with an accompanied GVA of GBP54million per annum (between 2008 and 2015) (Frontline Report). The expanding mountain bike industry valued globally at USD64billion per annum by 2025 (Bike Europe, 2018), is historically very limited within Scotland and hence an opportunity to stimulate the economy through innovation within the mountain bike industry was grasped.

Between 2003 and 2010, research lead by Professor Florida-James (Professor of Applied Sport Sciences, started employment 2000) developed innovative methods of conducting research in difficult applied performance environments and the effects of performance on the immune system [O1,O2,O3]. This work crucially included developing mobile field labs and techniques to allow intact immune and human response data to be collected at remote mountainous locations. Additionally, Edinburgh Napier University has been at the forefront of research in mountain bike innovation since the early 2000s when Florida-James commenced work in the discipline. Initially using bespoke methods based on the research conducted between 2003 and 2010 [O1,O2,O3] the team provided performance consultation services to individual athletes, and secured contract work for Scottish Cycling (2010-2015: GBP46,000) [P1] delivering support to national MTB teams.

In 2010 Florida-James completed research on physiological contributions to successful downhill mountain bike performance, whilst applied research work in cycling continued (between 2012 and 2016) on sleep disruption and the immune system [O4] and demands of enduro mountain bike racing (between 2016 and 2019). The latter work, resulted in the first ever peer reviewed publications on enduro MTB discipline [O5, O6], building on the techniques developed in the earlier outputs [O1,O2,O3]. Research methods and techniques of on the hill data collection were only made fully public in 2018/19 when competitive advantage was seen to be minimal [O5, O6], particularly around the use of high frequency accelerometers to measure bike and component performance, and hand arm vibration exposure. Within this research a bespoke accelerometer mount was constructed, and crucially for the first-time data was transformed and analysed to meet the analysis requirements of hand-arm vibration exposure in compliance with the international standard. Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a recognised industrial disease induced by excessive exposure to vibration through occupational tasks involving vibrating machinery. The team showed that MTB racing could be potentially harmful if vibration exposure was not considered and perhaps mitigated. This applied research and consultancy allowed Florida-James to forge strategic partnerships with Government support agencies and in 2014 the internationally leading Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland (MTBCOS) [P4] [P9] was created, with partners Scottish Cycling, Scottish Enterprise and lead by Florida-James.

Assistance occurred on the immune response with Ross and Black of Edinburgh University (2005) and McFarlin, University of Houston (2009), whilst Whyte, British Olympic Medical Centre (2005) assisted on sport science aspects. All other authors on outputs were Napier staff or students. Guy, Wilson and Malone contributed on the immune response components, Gray to the sport science components, and Taylor to the engineering and vibration components. Simpson, Ingram, and Kirkwood were PhD students for whom Florida-James was Director of Studies, whilst Bartlett, Booth and Cunningham were Napier undergraduate students at the time.

The classical ergonomics research approach of the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland has been refined to offer services to the commercial sector, which resulted in the Scottish Government further funding MTBCOS to contribute to The Strategy for Scottish Mountain Biking 2019-2025, including authoring the Innovation Strand of the Strategy. Additionally, the MTB Partnership secured GBP19million in the Heads of Terms Agreement (July, 2019) of the Borderlands Regional Growth Deal, to develop a full economic case to build an Innovation Hub, Bike Park and Trail Lab in the Scottish Borders to further support their research and knowledge transfer activities.

3. References to the research

O1-O6 have all been through competitive and robust peer review prior to publication. O1, O2, and O4 have numerous international citations in further research.

[O1] Simpson, R. J., Wilson, M. R., Black, J., Ross, J. A., Whyte, G. P., Guy, K., & Florida-James, G. (2005). Immune alterations, lipid peroxidation, and muscle damage following a hill race. Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism, 30, 196-211. doi:10.1139/h05-115

[O2] Simpson, R. J., Gray, S., & Florida-James, G. (2006). Physiological variables and performance markers of serving soldiers from two “elite” units of the British Army. Journal of sports sciences, 24, 597 -604. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410500230811

[O3] Simpson, R. J., Bartlett, D. B., Booth, S., Florida-James, G. D., & McFarlin, B. K. (2009). Resting Blood Lymphocytes Are Activated by Autologous Serum After A 40km Cycling Time Trial: 542. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 41(Supplement 1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000353277.01938.3c

[O4] Ingram, L. A., Simpson, R. J., Malone, E. M., & Florida-James, G. (2015). Sleep disruption and its effect on lymphocyte redeployment following an acute bout of exercise. Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity, 47, 100-108. DOI:10.1016/j.bbi.2014.12.018. Submitted in REF2.

[O5] Kirkwood, L. A., Taylor, M. D., Ingram, L. A., Cunningham, J., Malone, E., & Florida-James, G. D. (2018) Physiological characteristics and performance in elite vs non-elite enduro mountain biking. Journal of Science and Cycling, 6(2), 13-2. https://doi.org/10.28985/171231.jsc.09

[O6] Kirkwood, L. A., Taylor, M. D., Ingram, L. A., Malone, E., & Florida-James, G. D. (2019). Elite mountain bike enduro competition: a study of rider hand-arm vibration exposure. Journal of Science and Cycling, 8(1), 18-25. DOI: 10.28985/1906.jsc.04. Submitted in REF2.

Funded Projects

[P1] Mountain Biking Consultancy Project. 11 Jan 2010 - 31 Jul 2015. Scottish Cycling. £46k (Florida-James, Ingram).

[P2] Performance Testing of Scottoiler Active Fluid System.16 Jul 2012 - 30 Nov 2012. Sporting Chance Initiative- Interface. £5k (Florida-James, Ingram, Campbell).

[P3] Scottoiler Focus Groups and Field Trials - 2 Jan 2013 - 31 Aug 2013. Scottolier (Scotland) Ltd & Scottish Enterprise. £10,475 (Florida-James, Ingram, Campbell).

[P4] Mountain Bike Centre of Excellence. April 2014-June 2019 £470k. Scottish Funding Council. (Florida-James).

[P5] Mountain Bike Suspension Optimisation. 3 Feb 2015 - 31 Jan 2016. Interface Voucher project. £5k. (Florida-James).

[P6] Mountain Bike Suspension Set Up product. 15 July 2016- 18 May 2017. Interface Follow On Voucher project. £5k Florida-James [P7] Efficacy of the descent master training machine. 22 Jan 2018 - 21 May 2018. Interface Voucher project. £5k. (Florida-James, Campbell) [P8] BikeSenz: getting to grips with cyclists' comfort. 7 Aug 2019 - 10 Jul 2019. Interface Voucher project. £5k. (Campbell, Florida-James) [P9] Scottish Mountain Bike Strategy Delivery 2019-2025 4 Jan 2019 - 31 Mar 2020. Scottish Government £92.5k. (Florida-James)

4. Details of the impact

Research by Edinburgh Napier University has played a key role in developing and establishing models of support to deliver economic benefit through innovative knowledge transfer activities. The creation of the world’s first open innovation centre for mountain biking has delivered 87 innovation focused events, facilitated 161 collaborations, engaged with 245 businesses, facilitated 65 academic support searches and 43 student projects. The work carried out at the Centre has resulted in: the world’s first Government sponsored National Strategy for MTB Innovation; 9 new MTB businesses being launched; increased investment and turnover in new MTB businesses; establishment of the Scottish Bike Cluster and strategic partnerships with cycling and manufacturing industry bodies.

Impact on government strategy and the rural economy

In June 2014, Florida-James secured investment from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to create the MTB Centre of Scotland (MTBCOS) in the rural Scottish Borders. It is a physical centre with a full-time Business Development Manager, a part-time administrator and input of staff from Napier pro rata. From market research to product development, knowledge transfer, testing and product launches, MTBCOS assist businesses to capitalise on one of Scotland’s fastest growing adventure sports. MTBCOS is a centre for open innovation and has an extensive partnerships network which allows companies, both product and service based, access to national and international markets, [C2, C3, P4]. In total SFC invested GBP470,000 in this work; (between 2014 and 2019). In 2019 the Scottish Government invested an initial GBP92,500 (total of GBP277,500 to 2023), with MTBCOS given the specific task of delivering the Innovation Strand of the Scottish Mountain Bike Strategy 2019-2025 [P9, C3]. Scottish Cycling’s Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland project (DMBinS) is tasked with overseeing the national strategic framework for mountain biking in Scotland [C3].

Florida-James contributed to the 2016 refresh of the framework and then lead on the “ A leader in MTB Innovation” strand of “ The Strategy for Scottish Mountain Biking 2019-2025”. This Strategy is the first of its type in the World, is funded by the Scottish Government and it was Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, launching the Strategy at the MTBCOS who stated in her Ministerial Forward to the Strategy that: “ **Scottish Mountain Biking is already impacting on our economy with £105m GVA generated from mountain biking activity in 2015 alone.” [C3]. As a result, Florida-James was invited to sit on the board of the Mountain Bike Consortium, a multi-agency consortium of Scottish Government Stakeholders and Sporting Body representatives tasked with overseeing the delivery of the Strategy (2019-2025). Within the Consortium, Florida-James has materially influenced the strategy of growing a cycling industry and economy within Scotland, as evidenced by his co-authorship and input into the ongoing business plans for the MTB Innovation Centre and Trail lab of the Borderlands Regional Growth Deal (GBP19million) [C2, C3] for which he was also invited to sit on the Borderlands MTB Project Board.

Economic and Commercial ImpactThe first commercial MTB research project (GBP5,000) led by Prof Florida-James (with contributors PhD students Ingram and Campbell) was for SME Scottoiler (Scotland) Ltd and its success attracted follow on funding (GBP10,345) from the company (70%) and Scottish Enterprise (30%) [P3]. As explained by Nick Muddle, Director of Sales and Marketing at Scottoiler Ltd [C1]: “ Initially Scottoiler Solutions was interested in working with Professor Florida-James from the research work he had previously carried out in the field with mountain runners and the novel research techniques he had developed whilst working with elite mountain bike athletes.” [O1, O2, P1]. The commissioned research work that Professor Florida-James undertook for us demonstrated the efficacy and efficiency of our product in a mountain bike setting. The research of Professor Florida-James has been instrumental in the development of this side of the business. The impacts arising from the work have been significant for the company.

The research for Scottoiler Solutions into the efficacy of an automatic bicycle chain lubing solution and system led to: • New investment in the company of £734,000• The launch of a new brand and 11 new products from September 2016• The creation of a new product development pipeline• The launch of a new sister company Scottoiler Sport Solutions Ltd in 2016• Creation of 4 new roles within the company.• Marketing and publicity of the product and company globally and in a new sector, including sponsorships with 3 high profile elite racing teams”

The outputs [O4, O5, O6] on physiological demands on the athlete and bike response, measured both in the lab and in the field, resulted in methods that were employed by the team lead by Florida-James to complete 6 Innovation research projects [P5][P6][P7][P8] with start-ups and SMEs. Contributions came from Dr Campbell, started 2015 (post PhD) Dr Ingram-Sills, started 2019 (post PhD) and Dr Taylor (started 2008). This body of work, in addition to Scotoiler’s new company launch and automatic chain lube product resulted in the following companies being started and products created: Forge Bikes (optimised full suspension bike; 2015); SusMyBike (MTB suspension set up product) RevoRoute (Descent Master MTB Training product, 2018); BikeSenz (ergonomic comfort grips, 2019). An example of the success of these products comes from Lewis Buchanan, Professional MTB Racer, who is quoted as “Since I started using the Descent Master it’s really helped stabilise my shoulders and allowed me to gain more control when holding onto the handlebars”.

The impact of the work of the team at Edinburgh Napier University has been acknowledged by key Government stakeholders Scottish Enterprise (SE). Scottish Enterprise’s independent consultants (Frontline) reported in 2015 that access to research and the academic team (at Napier) had enabled: “ nine businesses to develop new products; nine businesses to establish a new business partnership; and six businesses to access a new market. Increased turnover of £108k for 4 businesses and export sales of £50k from one company were also acknowledged in that report to be as a direct result of the work with the MTBCOS.” [C2]. Moira Forsyth, (Specialist, Sector Innovation Services, SE) stated that **“ The current work of MTBCOS and partners in the proposed location for the new innovation centre of Innerleithen has already had striking economic and societal impact which is now being recognised in the mountain bike industry as reported in the 2020 Mountain Bike Rider (MBR) article- “How Mountain Biking saved Innerleithen”. [C5]. “ The work within the local community and businesses of the MTBCOS and partners has been integral to this change in fortunes for the town and the new Innovation Centre project could not have been developed were it not for the innovative research and product development undertaken at Edinburgh Napier University led by Prof Florida-James.” [C2].

Recognition of Impact ActivitiesThe impact of the Napier research work has been recognised by: Scottish Enterprise's invitation to co-create the Scottish Cycling Industry Cluster (2018) [C2]; and the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland’s (NMIS) invitation to MTBCOS to become a full Network Partner (2020). Prof William Ion, NMIS Networks and Alliances Lead, University of Strathclyde stated that “ **Due to the research and innovation work carried out by the MTBCOS and its impact on developing the Scottish Cycling Industry Cluster, it was a natural sectoral partner for NMIS.**” [C6]. Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) invited MTBCOS to become a founding member of this prestigious cycling trade association (2018), the only University to receive such an invite. Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) represents many of the EU and the world’s leading cycling companies and supporting organisations. Its members are global leaders, together with the suppliers of equipment, accessories and services that support these markets. As stated by the CEO of CIE: **“ **MTBCOS was invited to be a founding member of CIE in October 2018. This was because MTBCOS represented a unique skill set and research knowledge base in the industry, being only one a of a very small number of cycling related centres of excellence in innovation and a business incubation clusters in the whole of Europe.” [C4].

Sector innovation events have been organised and lead by the MTBCOS in Scotland including: “ The Circular Economy & the Cycling Industry”; “ Engineering Opportunities in Cycling”; two European MTB Innovation Summits supported by Cycling Industry Europe and Scottish Enterprise, whilst MTBCOS hosted the inaugural CIE Brussels Summit at Scotland Europa, Brussels [C4]. These events attracted attendees from private sector companies and academia from across Europe. Innovation roadshow clinics have been organised pan Scotland, as well as 24 focus groups, 24 market research surveys for 21 companies with 1980 responses since 2014. 17 companies were supported to go to the Eurobike trade show in August 2016 with additional international revenue impact put at GBP570,000 for that year as a result of this work. The above engagement in disseminating the research work of MTBCOS with the cycling public and industry is important as this developed ongoing relationships to create further impact. As put by Nick Muddle, Director of Sales and Marketing at to Scottoiler Ltd as “ **( **MTBCOS) continued, to publicise the findings of the research and showcase the product, including supported trips to EuroBike Trade Show and facilitation of introductions to professional athletes and teams. This attracted a significant external investor in the product.” [C1].

Awards

Business to academic partnership of the year award. Scottoiler. Scottish Mountain Bike Awards 2016.

Product Innovation of the Year. Scottish Mountain Bike Awards 2018 (SussMyBike - SMB Flow)

Product Innovation of the Year. Scottish Mountain Bike Awards 2019 Revoroute- Descent Master)

Innovative Educator of the Year. Bright Red Triangle Awards (2019). Edinburgh Napier University.

Protecting the Health of Elite and Recreational Athletes in Competitive Mountain ...

Submitting institution: Edinburgh Napier University
Unit of assessment: 24 - Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism
Summary impact type: Societal
Is this case study continued from a case study submitted in 2014?: No

Download case study PDF

1. Summary of the impact

Research by Edinburgh Napier University on elite mountain biking injury has been utilised by its governing body and by elite and recreational riders, in order to protect rider health. Dr Palmer’s research with the international governing body, the Enduro World Series (EWS), is the first study of its kind in Enduro mountain biking. The research has led to impact on:

The Enduro World Series. The research has contributed to recognition of EWS as a new mountain biking discipline, and has contributed to the organisation introducing amended and more safe qualifying criteria.
Race Event Organisers. The research has led organisers to adopt targeted medical provision during race events to improve the quality of care. It also informed the production of a concussion guidance tool, including a standardised concussion assessment protocol, for event organisers and their medical staff and marshals.
Enduro Riders. Materials produced as part of the study include a lay public document on the injury risks associated with enduro racing and riding, and a rider concussion recognition and education pocket guide. Both have increased rider engagement with injury prevention.

2. Underpinning research

Elite sports can take a significant toll on the physical health of sportspeople. For example, across the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, an average of 12.6 per 100 athletes experienced injury. Some rates are even higher. The rate for aerial Skiing events at Sochi 2014 was 48.8 injuries per 100 athletes. In order for sporting bodies to effectively protect these athlete’s health, they require robust data on the rate and epidemiology of these injuries. Dr Palmer’s research has focused on understanding the frequency and context of sport-related injury across a number of sports. The work has informed organising bodies strategies to reduce the rate of sports related injuries.

Dr Palmer was an Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University between November 2015 and October 2020. Dr Palmer’s EWS research has been undertaken with Professor Geraint Florida-James, a specialist in mountain biking research, and Professor at Edinburgh Napier University. The work has also been undertaken in collaboration with Chris Ball, Managing Director of the Enduro World Series.

In 2017, Dr Palmer profiled injury and illness rates at the Rio 2016 Olympics [O1]. The research recorded daily incidences of athlete injury and illness reported by the National Olympic Committee medical teams. Findings indicated that 8% of athletes incurred at least one injury during the games. BMX cycling was found to have had the highest rate at 38% of athletes incurring an injury, with mountain biking ranking third-highest at 24%. This work continued in 2018 with a more specific cross-sectional study regarding hip and knee pain in British Olympic athletes over 40 [O2], and a similar injury profiling study in 2019, on the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics [O3]. In 2020, using similar techniques, Dr Palmer completed a study which profiled a much larger sample size of 3,357 retired Olympic athletes ,to understand the epidemiology of injuries sustained throughout their careers **[O4].**Dr Palmer’s research into the 2016 Rio Olympics found that 24% of athletes competing in the discipline of mountain biking were injured during the games [O1]. This work led to her leading research with the Enduro World Series (EWS), an international competitive mountain biking organisation, between 2016 and 2019 [O5, O6]. The Enduro Word Series is an elite series of international competitive mountain bike races, which given the speed and terrain, involve high numbers of athlete injuries. The research involved a two-part study undertaken on behalf of the EWS . The first part was a two-season prospective injury and illness surveillance study, concerning the years 2017 and 2018 [O5, O6]. Dr Palmer collected injury data from event medical staff at 10 international EWS race events, at which 2,010 riders participated. 188 riders reported injury, 8.9% of the total. The research also uncovered data concerning the causes of injury and the commonality of types of injury. For example, 71% of injuries were caused by contact with the ground, and 60% occurred on rocky stages. The most frequently reported injury diagnosis was concussion at 7.3% of all injuries diagnosed. Only 57% were noted to have taken time off riding after concussion, with 29% confirming they continued racing. The most common injury was to the shoulder/clavicle area at 13.3% of all injuries. Shoulder injuries were found to be the most severe, with an average of 24.9 days lost as a result of those recorded. It was also found that almost a third of the total injuries recorded occurred to inexperienced riders.The second part of this project involved a cross-sectional health study of enduro riders at all levels, looking to discover any broader risks to health from the sport [O5]. The survey asked detailed questions about individuals riding exposure and injury history, asking them to identify significant injuries which had lasted one month or more. The majority of responders were amateur or recreational enduro riders, and 40.7% recorded that they had suffered a significant injury as a result of enduro riding. Again, concussion was the third highest diagnosed injury. A quarter of these riders reported continuing their ride immediately after the accident, and half of those who reported concussion recorded a significant reoccurrence of the injury. Equally, shoulder or clavicle injuries were again found to be the most common at 25.6% of total injuries. Shoulder fracture and dislocation accounted for the highest number of lost days due to injury.

This two-part study led to a series of recommendations for the discipline, both at an elite and recreational level. For example, additional medical provision was recommended to be provided by the EWS for rocky stages where injuries were recorded as high (60%). Concussion was highlighted as a concern for the sport, and as such a new rider assessment protocol was introduced for use at race events (supplemented by a concussion guide created by Dr Palmer). Additionally, the research recommended improved concussion and injury education for both elite and recreational riders.

3. References to the research

O1, O2, O3, O4 are published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which serves 25 clinical societies with over 13,000 members. All have undergone blind peer-review.- [O1] T Soligard, K Steffen, D Palmer, JM Alonso, R Bahr, A Dias Lopes, J Dvorak, ME Grant, W Meeuwisse, M Mountjoy, LO Pena Costa, N Salmina, R Budgett, L Engebretsen. (2017). Sports injuries and illnesses in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Summer Games. British Journal of Sports Medicine; 51:1265-1271. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097956. Submitted to REF2.- [O2] Cooper D J, Scammell B E, Batt M E, Palmer D. Factors associated with pain and osteoarthritis at the hip and knee in Great Britain’s Olympians: a cross-sectional study. (2018). British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018; 52:1101-1108. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-098315. Submitted to REF2.

- [O3] T Soligard, D Palmer, K Steffen, A Dias Lopes, J Dvorak, ME Grant, DS Kim, SY Lee, N Salmina, B Toresdahl, V Yanina, J Young, R Budgett, L Engebretsen. (2019). Sports injury and illness in the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games: A prospective study of 2914 athletes from 92 countries. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019; 53:1085-1092. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-100236. Submitted to REF2.- [O4] D Palmer, D Cooper, C Emery, M Batt, L Engebretsen, BE Scammell, P Schamasch, M Shroff, T Soligard, K Steffen, JL Whittaker, R Budgett. (2021, online first 10^th Nov 2020) Self-reported sports injuries and later-life health status in 3,357 retired Olympians from 131 countries: a cross-sectional survey among those competing in the Games between London 1948 and PyeongChang 2018. British Journal of Sports Medicine. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-101772 - [O5] D Palmer, C Ball, G Florida-James. Enduro Mountain Bike Medical Study. (2019). Enduro World Series Public Medical Report. ( https://admin.enduroworldseries.com/uploads/documents/EWS%20Medical%20Study%20v6.pdf - [O6] D Palmer, C Ball, G Florida-James. Enduro World Series Mountain Biking Injuries: a two-year prospective study of 2010 Riders. (2020) International Journal of Sports Medicine. Epub ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1320-1116. Submitted to REF2.

**Key research grants:**- World Olympians Association: Retired Olympian Musculoskeletal Health Study (ROMHS), July 2017 for 2 years - £90,192 ($120,000)-Enduro World Series (EWS) Injury/Illness Performance Project - surveillance study, March 2017 for 2 years - £23,563.

4. Details of the impact

The research described has allowed Dr Palmer to support Enduro Mountain Biking and has benefitted distinct groups. 34 countries and 6,500 riders participate in the Enduro World Series at elite level, with 71 countries and over 25,000 riders engaging with EWS at lower tiers. EWS estimates its social media reached 37million people in 2020, with an average of 1.8million visits to their website each year [C6]. A robust and reliable data set for both elite and recreational Enduro riders has impacted:

The Enduro World Series.
Race Event Organisers.
Enduro Riders.

Enduro World SeriesIn 2017 the EWS sought to gain recognition and accreditation as a new mountain biking discipline from world cycling’s governing body, the International Cycling Union (UCI). In order for the UCI to admit the EWS, it required robust evidence that it recognised the importance of monitoring and protecting athlete health. To strengthen the bid to the UCI, the EWS used Dr Palmer’s research findings [O5, O6] to evidence that the discipline was actively monitoring athlete health, and that risk reduction strategies were informed by empirical data, in alignment with other International Sports Federations. For example, the research recognised concussion as a risk for Enduro athletes, and recommended increased prevention protocols and guidance. Guidance documents were subsequently created to this effect [C3, C4, C5]. The UCI recognised the official status of EWS as a new discipline in 2019. Chris Ball, Managing Director of the Enduro World Series notes ‘ EWS used the injury surveillance project outputs from the Edinburgh Napier study as part of their bid to International Cycling Union, and this made a significant contribution in our successful application in 2019’. [C6].In addition to this recognition, the research has been utilised by the EWS to amend its processes in the interests of rider safety. The research report [O5] found that over a third of injuries over 2017 and 2018 occurred to local, inexperienced riders, who were attending only one local race event in the series. As such, a recommendation was made in the report to reassess the qualifying criteria for inexperienced riders. The EWS has since amended its qualifying criteria by introducing qualifier and challenger events. These have decreased the number of first-time, only-time riders (those who the research shows to be more frequently injured), competing in higher risk EWS tier 1 events. This has ensured qualified riders possess sufficient skill and experience to compete safely at that level. Chris Ball notes that the research has led to ‘ New changes to World Governing Body policy for EWS tier 1 rider race qualifying criteria to ensure riders possess the appropriate experience and skills to compete at that level’ [C6]. Race Event OrganisersThe Enduro World Series consists of a number of race events organised by different national organisers in one year. Recommendations were made in the EWS research report [O5] for the benefit of race event organisers. Due to the findings that a 60% of severe injuries occurred on steep and rocky sections of the race track [O1], organisers were guided by Dr Palmer’s research to provide concentrated medical provision on these stages. Chris Ball confirms that this research led to ‘ Positive changes to international professional practice with targeting medical provision during race events’. [C6].

In addition, as a result of the findings that almost a quarter of riders continued riding after concussion [O5], Dr Palmer created a concussion guide for event organisers and medics [C3]. This document outlines red flags and assessment protocols for concussion, recommended treatment of riders, and return to riding advice. This is utilised by the estimated 25,000 EWS riders each year, as well as the high numbers of the public engaging in Enduro mountain biking for leisure. Chris Ball states that the research led to ‘ New concussion recognition and easy to use return-to-riding pocket guides which are freely accessible to endure(o) race event organisers and international and domestic/recreational riders, worldwide on the EWS website’, a website which he states sees ‘ 1.8 million visits per year’ [C6].

A national event organiser notes the benefit of the research to their preparation: ‘ our rescue team and medical staff had to face challenges and evolution in the way they approach the race. Together with EWS staff we grew a lot in that part of the organization and the Enduro Mountain Bike Medical Study helped us to step up the game big time. It also helped us to be ready for situations that we have never faced before on the field. We have been using this resource in conjunction with our medical staff to train the rescue teams on the stages and grow their knowledge. The EWS Medical Study has been and is an incredible asset for our team and part of the race documents we provide to the local staff’ [C7].

Enduro RidersThe research [O5] found that alongside the injuries sustained by athletes in EWS race events, a higher proportion of injuries were experienced by both elite and recreational riders in other settings. It also found that the most commonly reported and occurring injuries in elite and recreational Enduro racing were concussion and clavicle/shoulder injuries, with the latter accounting for the injury causing the most disruption to athletes lives and schedules. As a result, the recommendation was made for greater educational material to support riders in monitoring their own health and preventing injury when outside of race events.

To further this educational end, the report was made freely available on the EWS website [O5], and has been successfully disseminated by three mountain biking media organisations [C1]. Dr Palmer also created freely available guides for riders to use to prevent and deal with both concussion and shoulder injuries. The concussion guide for riders [C2] is freely available via the EWS website, and details how riders can notice concussion, what to do after suffering one, and how long to rest for afterwards. This importance of the report and this concussion tool are evident, as both were highlighted to riders by the Global Mountain Biking Network, in a 2020 video, viewed over 34,000 times [C2].

Also created were support materials for riders to use outlining rehabilitation and prehabilitation exercises for shoulder injuries. These resources have guided riders on appropriate methods to avoid and recover quickly from shoulder injuries [C5]. In support of the impact of this material, Chris Ball states that Dr Palmers research has allowed ‘ A global approach to concussion assessment not only benefiting existing expert riders but also new entrants to the sector creating lasting legacy’ [C6]

International DisseminationThe research has also been of great interest in the wider field of sports injury prevention. Dr Palmer was invited to speak about the EWS research at the University of Calgary, Canada in 2019, and at the International Olympic Committee Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport Conference in 2020.

Impact case study database

Search and filter

Filter by

Promoting Policies for Sustainable Mega Sport Events

1. Summary of the impact

2. Underpinning research

3. References to the research

4. Details of the impact

5. Sources to corroborate the impact

Construction Week. Researchers in sustainable Qatar World Cup legacy. Stenden University Qatar to explore green and active living in project. 12 Apr 2014.

Arabian Business Qatar Researchers to find ‘Sustainable World Cup Legacy 10 Apr 2014

Mountain Biking Innovation: Delivering economic and societal benefits

1. Summary of the impact

2. Underpinning research

3. References to the research

4. Details of the impact

5. Sources to corroborate the impact

Protecting the Health of Elite and Recreational Athletes in Competitive Mountain ...

1. Summary of the impact

2. Underpinning research

3. References to the research

4. Details of the impact

5. Sources to corroborate the impact

Filter by higher education institution

Filter by unit of assessment

Filter by continued case study

Filter by summary impact type

Filter by impact UK location

Filter by impact global location

Filter by underpinning research subject