The effect of visors on head and facial injury in National Hockey League players

J Sci Med Sport. 2006 Jun;9(3):238-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2006.03.025. Epub 2006 May 23.

Abstract

There has been an increase in the number of concussions sustained by players in the National Hockey League (NHL). While wearing a helmet is now required by the NHL, the face visor remains optional. It is unknown to what degree face visors influence concussion, other head injury and eye-injury rates at the professional level. Data from the 2001-2002 NHL season were examined. It was found that wearing a face visor did not significantly influence the prevalence of concussion. Visor protection did, however, minimise eye-injuries and other, non-concussion head injuries. These data suggest that, while a visor may prevent some head and eye-injuries, other measures may be necessary to reduce the number of concussions.

MeSH terms

  • Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology*
  • Eye Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Hockey / injuries*
  • Humans
  • North America / epidemiology
  • Registries
  • Sick Leave
  • Sports Equipment*