Are full-face helmets the most effective in preventing head and neck injury in motorcycle accidents? A meta-analysis

• Main Authors: Soramon Chaichan, Thatchanon Asawalertsaeng, Pat Veerapongtongchai, Paiboon Chattakul, Sittichai Khamsai, Patnarin Pongkulkiat, Verajit Chotmongkol, Panita Limpawattana, Jarin Chindaprasirt, Vichai Senthong, Chetta Ngamjarus, Yuwares Sittichanbuncha, Amnat Kitkhuandee, Kittisak Sawanyawisuth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-09-01
• Series: Preventive Medicine Reports
• Subjects: Prevention; Road traffic accidents; Risk factors
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335520300784

Motorcycles are the most common type of vehicle involved in traffic deaths in developing countries. Although helmets can provide protection against injury, there is limited evidence available regarding which type of helmet best protects against head and neck injuries in this setting. This review was conducted based on articles in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We compared full-face helmets with other types of helmet with regard to head and neck injury prevention in road accidents involving motorcyclists. Of 702 studies, six were eligible with a total of 6,529 participants. When compared with partial and open helmets, the odds ratio of full-face helmets was 0.356 (95% CI of 0.280, 0.453) and 0.636 (95% CI of 0.453, 0.894), respectively, for reduction of head and neck injuries. In conclusion, full-face helmets reduced head and neck injuries in motorcycle accidents to a greater extent than other types of helmet. Policy makers should recommend that motorcyclists use full-face helmets.