Protective and risk factors in amateur equestrians and description of injury patterns: A retrospective data analysis and a case - control survey

Abstract

Background: In Switzerland there are about 150,000 equestrians. Horse related injuries, including head and spinal injuries, are frequently treated at our level I trauma centre.Objectives: To analyse injury patterns, protective factors, and risk factors related to horse riding, and to define groups of safer riders and those at greater risk. Methods: We present a retrospective and a case-control survey at conducted a tertiary trauma centre in Bern, Switzerland.Injured equestrians from July 2000 - June 2006 were retrospectively classified by injury pattern and neurological symptoms. Injured equestrians from July-December 2008 were prospectively collected using a questionnaire with 17 variables. The same questionnaire was applied in non-injured controls. Multiple logistic regression was performed, and combined risk factors were calculated using inference trees.Results: Conclusions: Experience with riding and having passed a diploma in horse riding seem to be protective factors. Educational levels and injury risk should be graded within an educational level-injury risk index. © 2011 Hasler et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.