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Klin Padiatr 2012; 224(07): 443-447
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1327621
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effectiveness of Safety Vests in Pediatric Horseback Riding

Die Effektivität von Schutzwesten im Reitsport bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
C. Hessler
1   Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
,
V. Eckert
2   Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
,
E. Vettorazzi
3   Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
,
N. Meenen
4   Paediatric Sport Medicine, Altona Childrens Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
,
C. Jürgens
5   Traumatology, BG-Hospital Hamburg-Boberg, Hamburg, Germany
,
M. Schult
6   Traumatology, Asklepios Hospital Hamburg Heidberg, Hamburg, Germany
,
C. Flamme
7   Traumatology, Asklepios Hospital Hamburg Harburg, Hamburg, Germany
,
H.-J. Herberhold
8   Traumatology, Asklepios Hospital Hamburg Rissen, Hamburg, Germany
,
J. Madert
9   Traumatology, Asklepios Hospital Hamburg St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany
,
A. Ekkernkamp
10   Traumatology, BG-Hospital Berlin Marzahn, Berlin, Germany
,
U. Lockemann
2   Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
,
K. Püschel
2   Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
,
P. Pohlenz
11   Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 October 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Background:

Despite the benefit of safety vests to the reduction of torso injuries in children and adolescents is unclear, its’ use is recommended. The aim of the present study is to determine the effectiveness of safety vests actually used in pediatric equestrian activities.

Patients and Method:

In this case-control-study, we analyzed the accidents of 92 riders aged 18 or younger who fell off a horse onto his/her torso during a period of 18 months. Data were gathered from the clinical records. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered on the day of trauma by the patients and/or their parents.

Results:

The cases comprised 31 patients who sustained torso injuries. The controls were 61 riders with injuries of other body parts than to the torso. Safety vest use was not associated with a lower risk of torso injuries (OR=1.18, 95% CI (0.50, 2.81), p=0.707). Post hoc power analysis revealed that within such a setting an odds ratio of 0.266 could be found with a power of 80%.

Conclusion:

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.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund:

Obwohl eine Reduktion von Torsoverletzungen durch das Tragen einer Schutzweste bei reitenden Kindern und Jugendlichen unbewiesen ist, wird dessen Nutzung empfohlen. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist die Untersuchung der Effektivität von Reitschutzwesten bei unter 18-jährigen.

Patienten und Methodik:

In dieser Fall-Kontroll-Studie wurden 92 Kinder und Jugendliche analysiert, die von einem Pferd auf den Oberkörper stürzten. Die Daten entstammen der Dokumentation der an dieser Studie teilnehmenden Kliniken sowie einem Fragebogen, der von den Verunfallten bzw. derer Eltern am Unfalltag beantwortet wurde.

Ergebnisse:

Die Fallgruppe bestand aus 31 Reitern mit Torsoverletzungen, die Kontrollgruppe aus 61 Reitern, die an anders lokalisierten Verletzungen als am Torso litten. Das Tragen einer Schutzweste war nicht mit einem niedrigeren Risiko einer Torsoverletzung assoziiert (OR = 1,18, 95 % CI (0,50, 2,81), p = 0,707). Mittels einer Post-Hoc-Poweranalyse fanden wir eine Odds Ratio von 0,266 bei einer Power von 80%.

Schlussfolgerung:

In dieser Studie zeigte sich kein Zusammenhang zwischen einer Westennutzung und einem Schutz gegenüber Torsoverletzungen, möglichweise aufgrund von Störfaktoren. Eine effektive Reitschutzweste sollte den Bedürfnissen von Kindern und Jugendlichen angepasst sein und sollte neben dem Oberkörper und Abdomen auch die Hals- und Lendenwirbelsäule schützen. Ob die Entwicklung neuer Schutzwestentypen effektivere Oberkörperprotektoren hervorbringt, bleibt allerdings unklar.

Key words

children - adolescent - horseback riding - torso injuries - safety vests

Schlüsselwörter

Kinder - Jugendliche - Reiten - Torsoverletzung - Schutzweste
 

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