Effectiveness of Safety Vests in Pediatric Horseback Riding

Abstract

This study is not able to show an association between wearing a torso protector and protection from torso injuries, probably due to confounding. We did not detect a high effect of safety vest usage in our study population. Whether the development of a new generation of safety vests might be more effective remains unclear. An effective vest should be adapted to the requirements of children and adolescents and should protect the thorax and abdomen, but also the cervical and the lumbar spine.

On and off the horse: Mechanisms and patterns of injury in mounted and unmounted equestrians

“…19,21 The affect of vests upon injury prevention is incompletely studied though the development of spontaneously inflating air jackets shows potential for future direction among equestrians and motorcyclists. 25,26 Further research endorses prevention of rein entrapment with non-slip gloves, wrist protection with rigid stabilization and properly fitting equipment, boots and safety release stirrups to prevent dragging. 14,15,24 …”

Paediatric horse‐related trauma

“…31 Recent studies assessing the benefits of body protectors to prevent thoracic, abdominal and spinal injuries are limited and inconclusive. 36,37 However, given the high occurrence of these injuries when children fell from a horse whilst jumping in our study, it is proposed that body protectors are introduced as a uniform requirement, or at least as a recommendation, for paediatric riders who take part in high-risk activities. This is proposed until further research supports or refutes the benefits of body protectors to prevent injuries in paediatric riders.…”

“…Body protectors are permitted to be worn for all horse‐riding activities, but are not a mandatory uniform requirement as per Pony Club Australia . Recent studies assessing the benefits of body protectors to prevent thoracic, abdominal and spinal injuries are limited and inconclusive . However, given the high occurrence of these injuries when children fell from a horse whilst jumping in our study, it is proposed that body protectors are introduced as a uniform requirement, or at least as a recommendation, for paediatric riders who take part in high‐risk activities.…”

Verletzungsfolgen nach Wirbelsäulenfrakturen im Reitsport

“…11 out of 24 patients suffer from back pain while resting with a mean [10]. Schutzausrüstung wie Helme oder Schutzwesten sind zwar in zunehmender Auswahl verfügbar, was sich jedoch nur bedingt in Verbreitung und Akzeptanz wiederfindet [11]. Um die Unfallfolgen darzustellen wurden in der hier gezeigten Studie die Wirbelsäulenverletzungen charakterisiert und deren Verletzungsfolgen sowie resultierende Verhaltensänderungen der Patienten nachuntersucht.…”

“…Im Gegensatz zum weit akzeptierten Helm scheint der Rückenprotektor nur schwerlich angenommen zu werden. Gründe hierfür können ein fehlendes Verletzungsbewusstsein, fehlende Bewerbung und Akzeptanz in der breiten Masse, jedoch auch ein fehlendes kommerzielles Angebot sein[11], obwohl es bereits einige speziell für den Reitsport entwickelte Exemplare gibt. Die verbliebenen Rückenbeschwerden, wie sie durch den VASS erfasst wurden, waren teils erheblich.…”