Scientists testing rollercoaster riders at Holiday Park in Hassloch, Germany, have found that the body is subjected to ‘immense stress’ while riding – and that the anticipation is worse than the ride.
The team of scientists and doctors from the University Clinic Mannheim, led by cardiologist Dr Jürgen Kuschyk, set out to test “whether the safe limits for human health might already have been exceeded at fun fairs and in leisure parks” by investigating what sort of stress the body is subjected to while riding a modern rollercoaster.
The test subject was the German theme park’s Expedition GeForce – best roller coaster in Germany according to German consumer testing organisation, Stitftung Warentest – a 186ft high, two-mile long ride travelling at 75mph.
On 24 July 2004, the medical team tested 62 visitors of varying ages and weights, linking them up to electronic devices that recorded their heart rate while on the ride.
As well as demonstrating the stresses on the body, the results also brought some surprises: the team had expected the maximum stress on the heart and circulation to occur at the most extreme point of the rollercoaster – the first drop where the ride sends passengers plunging down 180ft – but in fact the most stress occurred directly at the start of the ride, as the cars slowly moved up the incline before the drop. On average, heartbeats increased by 40 beats per minute in expectation of the drop.
“If you are thinking of taking a ride on this rollercoaster, you ought to be in absolutely top medical condition as the body is subjected to immense stress,” concluded Kuschyk. “In particular, lateral acceleration values of up to four and a half times those of the force of gravity exact a great deal on the circulatory systems and the body’s organs, especially the heart.
“There is no danger involved for people in good health, because although heart rate reaches high peaks, these peaks only last for a short time; but anyone with a cardiac history really should not be on this rollercoaster.
He added that it was essential that rollercoaster exits are located some distance from the entrance, so people wanting a second ride give their heart a chance to recover as they make their way back to the start.
The scientific study is the second organised by Holiday Park this year.
In May, the theme park hosted a seminar to help rollercoaster phobes overcome their fears. The seminar was inspired by the success of airline programmes, which have helped passengers deal with their fear of flying.
