Mayo Clinic Study Proves Benefits of Facial Protection in Hockey

Wednesday, January 16, 2002

ROCHESTER, MINN. — Hockey players who wear full facial protection greatly reduce their risk of face and eye injuries without increasing risks of neck injuries or concussions, according to a Mayo Clinic study published in the January/February issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

The study of elite amateur hockey (Junior A) players found that those who do not wear facial protection suffer head and facial injuries nearly seven times more often than players with a full cage or shield, and more than twice as frequently as those with a half shield or visor.

"Previous reports had raised questions about whether facial protection might contribute to an increase in concussions and neck injuries," says Michael A. Stuart, M.D., co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center and the principal investigator of the study. "Some speculated that players with full cages or shields might play more recklessly because they have a false sense of security. This study was carefully designed and controlled to conclusively determine the benefits of facial protection, and to establish whether it could lead to other injuries. The scientific evidence we've contributed should settle this dispute."

The Mayo Clinic study, which was funded by USA Hockey, the national governing body for ice hockey in the United States, is the most comprehensive investigation to date of the relationship between facial protection and injuries to the head and neck. Unlike previous studies, it measured injury rates based on minutes of playing time for each player. Ten United States Hockey League (USHL) teams recorded injuries occurring during home games for a full season.

A total of 282 players participated. The injury rate was 158.9 per 1,000 player game hours (pgh) for players wearing no facial protection, 73.5 per 1,000 pgh for players wearing partial protection and 23.2 per 1,000 pgh for players wearing full protection. Players with no facial protection were 4.7 times more likely to suffer eye injuries than those wearing partial protection, and there were no eye injuries among the group with full protection. No players with either full or partial facial protection had neck injuries. Although players with no facial protection suffered more concussions, the difference was not statistically significant.

These findings contributed to the decision made by USA Hockey to change its facial protection rule. All players are now required to wear full facial protection, but players 18 and older may choose to wear partial protection (a half shield or visor) by signing a waiver. The new rule is effective for the current hockey season.

"The benefits of facial protection are beyond dispute," says Dr. Stuart, USA Hockey Chief Medical Officer and Team Physician. "USA Hockey should be commended for funding this study, and then acting to protect players on the basis of our scientific evidence. This is a prudent, responsible action."

Contact:
Lee Aase
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

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