A Retrospective Cohort Study of Traumatic Brain Injury and Usage of Protective Headgear During Equestrian Activities.
Abstract: Some of the more popular sporting activities for those living in rural areas include equestrian activities such as rodeo events and horseback riding. The lack of helmet use poses a concern for those who participate in these activities due to the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ultimately having a negative effect on their future. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a trauma center comparing the data on animal-riding patients and their use or lack of use of headgear and incidence of TBI. Of the patients identified, 16.2% sustained a head injury, ranking TBI fourth among all injuries sustained by the animal-riding population. Males were predominantly affected; however, females of pediatric age 5-17 years (54.5%) ranked high among the TBI population. Among all the patients identified with TBI, none of the patients were wearing a helmet and all sustained a head injury. The average injury severity score was 11, with hospital length of stay averaging less than 2 days and the overall mortality was 3.6%. Findings from the study should be considered for the purpose of implementing an age-specific educational program focused on head injury prevention and utilization of protective headgear. Current literature supports the use of protective headgear to reduce the risk of head injuries. Animal riders should be educated on the importance of using headgear as a preventive measure. Future studies are needed to indicate the effectiveness of injury prevention in regard to head injury severity and the use of protective headgear.
Publication Date: 2017-07-12 PubMed ID: 28692623PubMed Central: PMC5510690DOI: 10.1097/JTN.0000000000000300Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research paper explores the link between not using protective headgear during equestrian activities and the risk of traumatic brain injury. It suggests that an age-specific educational program could help promote the use of protective gear and potentially reduce injury rates.
Research Context
- The research was conducted due to the observed high involvement in equestrian activities in rural areas and the corresponding risk of traumatic brain injuries due to lack of helmet use. The need to identify the extent of the problem, its consequences, and potential mitigative measures propelled the research.
Methodology
- A retrospective cohort study was carried out at a trauma centre where data on animal-riding patients, specifically their use or non-use of headgear and the occurrence of traumatic brain injuries, were compared.
Key Findings
- The study found that 16.2% of the identified patients sustained a head injury, making traumatic brain injuries the fourth most common injury among the animal-riding populace in the research demographic.
- Male individuals figured prominently among the affected, but female pediatric patients aged between 5 and 17 years represented a high proportion – 54.5% – of the traumatic brain injury population.
- Interestingly, none of the patients identified with traumatic brain injury had been wearing a helmet at the time of their injury, highlighting the potential protective value of headgear.
- The recorded average injury severity score was 11. The average stay at hospital following injury was less than two days, and the overall mortality rate was 3.6%.
Recommendations and Conclusions
- The study findings support the current body of literature advocating for the usage of protective headgear to mitigate the risk of head injuries during animal-riding, particularly equestrian activities.
- An age-specific educational program aimed at raising awareness about head injury prevention and promoting the utilization of protective headgear is recommended.
- Participants in equestrian activities should be made aware of the significance of using protective headgear as a preventive measure against potential injuries.
- The study suggests the need for further research to determine the effectiveness of injury prevention regarding head injury severity and the use of protective headgear.
Cite This Article
APA
Lemoine DS, Tate BJ, Lacombe JA, Hood TC.
(2017).
A Retrospective Cohort Study of Traumatic Brain Injury and Usage of Protective Headgear During Equestrian Activities.
J Trauma Nurs, 24(4), 251-257.
https://doi.org/10.1097/JTN.0000000000000300 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Trauma Services, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, Louisiana.
MeSH Terms
- Accident Prevention / methods
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Animals
- Athletic Injuries / etiology
- Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
- Brain Injuries, Traumatic / etiology
- Brain Injuries, Traumatic / prevention & control
- Child
- Cohort Studies
- Female
- Head Protective Devices / statistics & numerical data
- Horses
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Needs Assessment
- Retrospective Studies
- United States
- Young Adult
References
This article includes 11 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Carter BT, Richardson MD. A retrospective study of helmet use and head injury in severe equestrian trauma. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2023 Jan-Mar;14(1):161-164.
- Andres SA, Bushau-Sprinkle AM, Brier ME, Seger YR. Effects of body protection vests and experience levels in prevention of equestrian injuries. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2018;4(1):e000426.
- Crawford AE, Picken LK, Gabriel FD, Quade J, Gould S. CNS and Thorax Injury and Associated Risks Factors in Equestrian Sports. Sports Health 2025 Jul;17(4):697-702.
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