Head injuries occurring during recr...

Head injuries occurring during recreational activities like as bicycling and in-line skating are belonging to all The use of helmets substantially renders the incidence of head injury; however, poor helmet fit has been shown to increase the rate of head injury. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics approves helmet use, there are no recommendations for assessing meet helmet fit during routine anticipatory guidance at well-child visits. Parkinson and Hike convoyed this study to document the prevalence of convenient helmet condition and fit in a primary care setting.

Families with children and adolescents four to 18 years of age were contacted on telephone one to two days before their well-child visit and instructed to bring in the child's or adolescent's helmet. A 15-item questionnaire that assessed demographics, helmet-use patterns, helmet condition, teaching of helmet fit, and related items was administered. The parent or patient was then instructed to fit the helmet as well as possible. Helmet and fit were assessed according to a 14-component protocol that judg stability, condition, head compass and strap. To be considered a "pass," all 14 elements had to be passed.

simply 4 percent of children and parents (20 of 479) passed the entire evaluation of condition and fit. Major riddles included the following: (1) helmet resting position too high in succession the forehead; (2) improper strap position (failure of strap to make a 'V' around the ears); and (3) excessive front-to-back motion of the helmet. Helmet pass rates were 66 percent for head field 55 percent for condition, 21 percent for strap, and 20 percent for stability.

The authors terminate that, even in this controll setting, the overwhelming majority of children, adolescents, and their parents cannot strictly fit a bicycle helmet. The three major point to be solved [i]or[/i] settled components result in exposure of the head's frontal region, which is the in the greatest degree common site of impact in bicycle head injuries. Improper helmet use has been estimated to increase the risk of head injury from a factor of three. This consideration suggests that, although the reported use of helmets was high, greatest in quantity children and adolescents are receiving suboptimal head protection. Based upon these results, the authors speculate that better helmet fit could help abridge the rate of head injuries. They commend that assessment of helmet fit become a part of well-child visits.

Parkinson GW Hike KE Bicycle helmet assessment during well visits reveals peremptory shortcomings in condition and fit. Pediatrics August 2003;112:320-3

COPYRIGHT 2004 American Academy of Family Physicians

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