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JAMA1978; 240(17); 1881-1882; doi: 10.1001/jama.240.17.1881

Equestrian injuries. Results of a prospective study.

Abstract: In a prospective study involving 110 injured equestrians, there were no noteworthy correlations between age, sex, or experience of the amateur riders and injury occurrence. Tack failure caused several injuries. Among fox hunters the incidence was related only to frequency of hunts. The most common severe injury was to the head, associated with lack of headgear. Fewer than 20% of the 110 riders used a protective helmet. There were four renal contusions and one bladder laceration. The most frequent injuries were fractures of the upper extremities. Wearing a good-quality protective helmet and checking tack are important for injury prevention.
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Publication Date: 1978-10-20 PubMed ID: 567702DOI: 10.1001/jama.240.17.1881Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study examined the injuries suffered by horse riders and found that factors such as age, sex, and experience didn’t significantly influence injury rates. The study emphasizes the importance of wearing a protective helmet and ensuring equipment is in good condition to reduce injury risk.

Study Design and Subjects

  • The research was conducted prospectively with 110 equestrian participants who had experienced injuries.
  • The subjects were classified as amateur riders, with no specific indications about their age or gender.
  • Riders were also monitored during hunting activities, resulting in the study’s specific focus on fox hunters.

Findings on Correlations and Causes

  • The finding showed that there was no significant relationship between the age, sex, or riding experience of the subjects and the occurrence of injuries. This means these factors did not increase or decrease the likelihood of injury.
  • Several injuries were due to failures in riding equipment, otherwise known as tack.
  • Among fox hunters, the only factor related to injury incidence was the frequency of hunts, implying the more often they hunted, the more likely they were to get injured.

Injury Types and Prevention

  • The research found that the most common severe injury was to the head, in many cases due to riders not wearing headgear.
  • Types of injuries recorded in the study varied from renal contusions (bruising of the kidney) and bladder laceration (cuts or tears) to fractures of the upper extremities. These injuries were, however, less widespread compared to head injuries.
  • Very few riders (less than 20%) were reported to have been wearing a protective helmet at the time of their accident.
  • The study concludes by highlighting the necessity of wearing good-quality protective helmets and consistently checking the condition of the tack as key measures for preventing injuries in equestrian activities.

Cite This Article

APA
Grossman JA, Kulund DN, Miller CW, Winn HR, Hodge RH. (1978). Equestrian injuries. Results of a prospective study. JAMA, 240(17), 1881-1882. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.240.17.1881

Publication

JAMA
ISSN: 0098-7484
NlmUniqueID: 7501160
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 240
Issue: 17
Pages: 1881-1882

Researcher Affiliations

Grossman, J A
    Kulund, D N
      Miller, C W
        Winn, H R
          Hodge, R H

            MeSH Terms

            • Abdominal Injuries / epidemiology
            • Accident Prevention
            • Adolescent
            • Adult
            • Animals
            • Athletic Injuries / classification
            • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
            • Child
            • Child, Preschool
            • Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology
            • Female
            • Horses
            • Humans
            • Infant
            • Male
            • Middle Aged
            • Prospective Studies
            • Protective Devices / standards
            • Sports
            • United States

            Citations

            This article has been cited 15 times.
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