Chapter 7: Protective Sports Equipment

Selection, fitting and maintenance of protective equipment are critical in injury prevention

Athletic trainers must have knowledge of protective equipment available for different sports and proper fitting procedures

Protection is critical in contact and collision sports

Safety Standards for Equipment and Facilities

Legal Concerns

Increasing amount of litigation regarding equipment

Must foresee all uses and misuses and warn user against potential risks inherent in equipment misuse

To avoid litigation, athletic trainer should follow specific use instructions of equipment exactly

If the athletic trainer's modification results in injury the ATC and the institution are subject to a suit (tort)

Equipment Reconditioning and Recertification

National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) established voluntary testing standards in an effort to reduce head injuries

NOCSAE helmet standard

Not a warranty

Off the Shelf vs. Custom Protective Equipment

Head Protection

Direct collision sports require head protection due to impacts, forces, velocities and implements

Football Helmets

Each helmet must have visible exterior warning label

Athlete must be aware of risks and what label indicates

There are a number of helmet manufacturers, and even more have closed due to lawsuits and liability cases

Helmet Fitting

When fitting head/hair should be wet to simulate sweat

Follow manufacturer's directions

Must routinely check fit

Certification is of no avail if helmet is not fit and maintained

Ice Hockey Helmets

Baseball Batting Helmets

Cycling Helmets

Designed to protect head during one single impact

Many states require the use of cycling helmets

Especially in adolescents

Face Protection

Throat Protection

Laryngotracheal injuries, while uncommon can be fatal

Baseball catchers, lacrosse goalies and ice hockey goalies are most at risk

Should be mandatory in these sports

Mouth Guards

Ear Guards

Eye Protection

Highest percentage of eye injuries are sports related

Generally blunt trauma

Glasses

Contact Lenses

Eye and Glasses Guards

Neck Protection

Trunk and Thorax Protection

Football Shoulder Pads

Two types

Rules of fitting

Sports Bras

Significant effort has been made to develop athletic support for women

Non-supportive bras, can cause rubbing and abrading of skin and nipples due to construction

Types available

Thorax and Rib Protection

Thorax protectors and rib belts

Protect against external forces

Air-inflated interconnected cylinders (jacket design)

Hips and Buttocks

Groin and Genitalia

Lower Extremity Protective Equipment

Socks

Shoe selection

Number of options for multiple activities

Guidelines for selection

Shoe fitting

Foot Orthotics

Heel Cups

Off-the-shelf Foot Pads

Ankle Supports

Alone or with tape -- they are increasingly popular

Shin and Lower Leg

Thigh and Upper Leg

Knee Braces

Types of Braces

Functional:

Neoprene (w/ medial and lateral support)

Elbow, Wrist and Hand Protection

While the elbow is less commonly injured it is susceptible to instability, contusions, and muscle strain

A variety of products are available to protect the elbow

Construction of Protective and Supportive Devices

Soft materials

Three types

Heat forming - heat and can be molded (Orthoplast)

Heat setting - rigid and difficult to form and may require a mold

Heat plastic foams- different densities due to the addition of liquids, gas, or crystals

- Commonly used in shoe inserts

Casting Materials

Casting has long been a practice in sports medicine

Fiberglass is the material of choice which uses resin and catalytic converter, plus water to produce hardening

Effective shell for splinting and padding

Tools for Customizing

Dynamic Splints