Research shows that there are alarming numbers of child injuries caused by mechanical bull riding

a study conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University Children’s Health has shed light on the alarming rates of child injuries resulting from mechanical bull riding. The study, titled ‘Mechanical Bull Injuries in Pediatric Patients: A Call for Safety Regulations’, highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures and regulations.

The findings were published in the journal Child health care and revealed that mechanical bull riding poses significant risk to children, with traumatic brain injury being the most common outcome.

“Mechanical bulls, even when advertised as ‘kid-friendly,’ are far from safe and pose a real public health problem,” says Martin G. Rosenthal, MD, assistant professor of surgery at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) and corresponding author of the study.

LLUCH has identified up to 35 cases in seven years, each resulting in serious injuries. More than 65% of these cases involved serious brain injuries, and more than half of all children required immediate surgical intervention.

“Our study, one of the largest studies of mechanical bull-related injuries to children, shows that most injuries occur at private events where mechanical bulls are rented from vendors,” said Sina Asaadi, MD, MBA, research associate and lead author of the paper. research. . “This suggests that the actual number of injuries may be higher than reported, indicating possible underreporting.”

The long-term consequences of a brain injury include memory problems, severe headaches, nausea, seizures and possible learning disabilities, to name a few.

Rehabilitation for these patients is intensive and includes physical, occupational, and speech therapies, sometimes extending over months and years.

“Several other studies from Southern California have reported similar findings and there seems to be a tendency for these injuries to occur in our own backyard,” says Rosenthal.

The research highlights the need for:

• Mandatory safety measures, such as the use of a helmet and protective equipment, and parental consent, to limit risks.
• Improved awareness among doctors, parents and policy makers about the dangers of mechanical bull riding for children.
• Stricter regulations for the operation and supervision of mechanical bull rides to prevent injuries.

Brought to you by Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center