Incidence of concussions and helmet use in equestrians.
Abstract: Equestrians have a high risk of concussions per hospital records. However, most concussions occur in private settings where concussions are not tracked. We determined concussion incidence by self-report, expressed per 1000 h of exposure, and determined helmet usage and concussion knowledge. Methods: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: Equestrians were recruited using a snowball method of sampling in which enrolled participants recruited more equestrians. Participants completed a survey of equestrian experience and history of concussion, symptoms and provided estimates of hours spent in various equestrian activities. From these data, incidences of concussions were calculated. In addition, they answered questions regarding helmet usage and willingness to take risks when concussed. Results: 210 participants (203 women) reported 27 ± 14 years of equine experience and 728 concussions, 3.47 ± 5.34 per person (0-55). Incidence while riding was 0.19/1000 h which was greater than the incidence while driving (0.02/1000 h) or handling horses (0.03/1000 h). Riders were helmeted at the time of injury 85% of the time. While concussion knowledge was high, most reported willingness to risk permanent injury by continuing to work with horses while injured. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first study to document incidence of concussions in equestrians: incidence is higher while riding than during football or rugby training. Helmets were far more commonly worn at the time of concussion than reported in hospital data, suggesting that helmets effectively reduce concussions severe enough to warrant urgent medical care.
Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Publication Date: 2022-12-23 PubMed ID: 36609086DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.12.004Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research paper focused on the incidence of concussions in horse-riding sports and the use of helmets. The authors found that concussions are more common during riding activities compared to football or rugby training, and that helmet wearing seemed to reduce the severity of the injury.
Research Methodology
- The researchers conducted a descriptive epidemiological study to understand the occurrence of concussions in equestrians.
- Equestrians were included in the study using a snowball sampling method, starting with some participants who then recruited more participants into the study. This was intended to help gain access to a wider array of equestrians with varying levels of experience and exposure.
- All participant equestrians filled out a survey detailing their history with horse-riding, incidences of concussion symptoms, and estimation of hours spent on different equestrian activities.
- The data collected from these surveys were used to calculate incidences of concussions. The participants were also asked about their use of helmets and their willingness to take risks when concussed.
Results of the Study
- A total of 210 participants (mostly women) reported having experienced on average 3.47 concussions per person, with a total of 728 concussions recorded.
- Concussion incidence was higher during riding activities (0.19/1000 hours) compared to when driving (0.02/1000 hours) or handling horses (0.03/1000 hours).
- About 85% of the riders were wearing helmets at the time of injury, suggesting a vital role in reducing the severity of the injury.
- Despite high knowledge of concussion symptoms and risks, many participants reported a willingness to risk permanent injury by continuing to work with horses while injured.
Conclusions Derived From the Study
- This is the first study to measure the incidence of concussions in equestrians and found it to be higher for riders than during football or rugby training.
- Helmets seem to play a crucial role in reducing the severity of concussions, signified by the observation that a majority of riders wore helmets at the time of the concussion.
- There is a need for continued education and stricter enforcement of safe practices in equestrian sports, as some riders, despite being aware of the risks, willingly risk permanent injury by continuing to work with horses while injured.
Cite This Article
APA
Glace BW, Kremenic IJ, Hogan DE, Kwiecien SY.
(2022).
Incidence of concussions and helmet use in equestrians.
J Sci Med Sport, 26(2), 93-97.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2022.12.004 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, USA. Electronic address: lb@nismat.org.
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, USA.
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, USA.
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Humans
- Horses
- Animals
- Female
- Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
- Incidence
- Head Protective Devices / adverse effects
- Brain Concussion / diagnosis
- Football / injuries
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- 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.
- Best R, Williams JM, Pearce J. The Physiological Requirements of and Nutritional Recommendations for Equestrian Riders. Nutrients 2023 Nov 30;15(23).
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