Demographic patterns in horseback riding head and neck injuries within the United States: A NEISS database study.

Overview

• This study analyzed demographic patterns in head and neck injuries related to horseback riding in the United States using ten years of national injury data from 2014 to 2023.
• The research identified differences in injury types, patient outcomes, and age distributions between males and females who sustained these injuries while horseback riding.

Research Aim and Methods

• Objective: To identify and describe demographic trends related to head and neck injuries in horseback riding participants across the U.S.
• Data Source: National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a comprehensive national injury database.
• Time Frame: The study analyzed injury records spanning a decade, from 2014 to 2023.
• Inclusion Criteria: Injuries specifically involving the head, neck, face, mouth, or ear related to horseback riding incidents.
• Sample Size: A total of 3,177 cases met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed.
• Variables Studied: Age, gender, type of injury, anatomical location of injury, and patient disposition (treatment outcomes such as hospitalization or release).
• Analyses Performed: Statistical chi-squared tests to compare injury variables across demographic groups.

Main Findings

• Gender Differences:
  • Females had a younger average age (27.51 years) compared to males (34.65 years).
  • Females were more frequently treated and released (83.29% of female cases), indicating less severe outcomes.
  • Males were more likely to require hospitalization, suggesting more severe or complex injuries.
• Injury Types and Locations:
  • Females experienced a higher frequency of head and face injuries compared to males.
  • There was a statistically significant association between gender and concussion diagnoses.
  • Specifically, females were much more likely to be diagnosed with concussions (687 cases) than males (129 cases).
• Age and Injury Management:
  • Age distribution varied across patient disposition categories, showing that different age groups might receive different types of medical management.
  • This suggests that injury severity or management decisions may be influenced by the age of the patient.

Conclusions and Implications

• The study revealed notable gender disparities in horseback riding-related head and neck injuries.
• Female riders tend to be younger on average and are more likely to sustain concussions and other head/face injuries but generally have less severe outcomes with a higher likelihood of treatment and release.
• Males tend to be older and experience injuries that more often require hospitalization.
• Understanding these demographic patterns can inform targeted safety interventions, protective equipment design (such as helmets tailored for different groups), and guide healthcare providers in anticipating injury severity based on patient profiles.