Leatt-Brace - Yes or No?

Started by rickk, Feb 10 2007 05:29 PM
87 replies to this topic

  • rickk

Posted 10 February 2007 - 05:29 PM

#1


I'v been hearing more about this device, but wanted to hear from the Dr. and any others that want to chime in.

I thought the knee braces were a good idea until I did some reading here and realize that there's a lot of marketing hype with them even though there's some merit as well. I won't get into my reason's for not purchasing them, but the Dr. had some good advise to offer based on his exerience. Wanted to see if this device falls into this category or if it's money well spent?

http://leatt-brace.com/gpx_product.asp

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  • DrMark

Posted 10 February 2007 - 08:28 PM

#2

Too much talk and not enough scientific data. Why not prove the efficacy of this brace with crash dummies?

  • rideblueforever

Posted 11 February 2007 - 02:05 PM

#3

does this mean anything??
http://leatt-brace.com/gpx_testing.asp
or is it just fluff?

  • DrMark

Posted 11 February 2007 - 02:57 PM

#4

It shows that the range of motion in the brace is reduced. The open question is the bone's reaction to compressive forces with a without the brace. The lovely video doesn't address that issue.

  • amnesia622

Posted 11 February 2007 - 06:40 PM

#5

So do we have a conclusion on whether or not his brace is worth purchasing? It's used in all other motor sports shouldn’t this be for good reason?

  • DrMark

Posted 11 February 2007 - 06:42 PM

#6

Just because some other knuckle head has it doesn't mean you have to. To date, I have seen no compelling evidence to buy one.
(That doesn't mean they don't work, they just haven't proven it.)

  • Shawn_Mc

Posted 11 February 2007 - 10:04 PM

#7

With all due respect Dr. Mark, you dont believe that limiting range of motion in a neck flexing impact will lessen a neck injury?

While its easy to see that a vertically aligned impact on the top of the head wont be attenuated by the brace, but nothing will do all things forseeable.

I see the brace much like a helmet. There are impacts the helmet just cant protect against. That doesnt mean you dont wear it...

  • DrMark

Posted 12 February 2007 - 04:21 AM

#8

I guess the only way to know is to do a study with and and without the brace and then note the incidence of injuries. This is how a new medical device or procedure or drug would get through the FDA.

Since it is not a drug and this is an unregulated industry, and everyone is going to wear one, we won't know until people in braces start breaking their necks, or stop breaking their necks.

  • mikerides33

Posted 12 February 2007 - 11:56 AM

#9

drmark said:

Just because some other knuckle head has it doesn't mean you have to. To date, I have seen no compelling evidence to buy one.
(That doesn't mean they don't work, they just haven't proven it.)

So what is your stand on the brace Doc? Would you want your son or daughter to wear one? Wouldn't you think it better to run one than nothing at all? It obviously will do more in protecting a rider than a neck donut.
I think it should be a sticky on the health and fitness forum:ride:

  • 02YZ426

Posted 12 February 2007 - 02:48 PM

#10

It looks like a very good product to me.... but it is strange that they throw a $400 tag on it, and no real testing. It looks to me like it will do what its intended to do, but they could do a little more testing IMO.

  • roee

Posted 12 February 2007 - 03:58 PM

#11

Don't forget this was sponsored and endorsed by both KTM and BMW. KTM were sick of having their top rally stars die every year (Meoni, for instance), so they now make all their riders wear it (rebranded "KTM" and painted orange).

This isn't just a garage-developed product.

  • BKRacing

Posted 12 February 2007 - 04:13 PM

#12

When I broke my back,(skull,nose,teeth,etc) in was only because my head rolled under my body that kept my from riding in a wheelchair for good. This could have possibly done more damage in my case.
Not to say that this isn't a good idea for most accidents, hopefully this is just a first step in the right direction

  • peeweecycle

Posted 12 February 2007 - 06:31 PM

#13

I am seriously thinking about purchasing this brace for my son. How many people are paralized each year racing motocross. We only hear of the big names but on the local level what is it? I have thrown boots, helmets, knee, elbow, kidney pads, neck roll etc on my kid in hopes this will improve his safety. I have not seen testing on any of this gear aside from the snell/dot ratings on his helments but I feel that this protection must help. I also give praise to Ryan Villopotto and Mike Aessi wearing their neck protection to let others know you can wear one and go fast!

  • Dapper

Posted 13 February 2007 - 10:25 AM

#14

drmark said:

It shows that the range of motion in the brace is reduced. The open question is the bone's reaction to compressive forces with a without the brace. The lovely video doesn't address that issue.

Well the brace surely would reduce the distance the helment could be driven toward the body, which should help to reduce compression fractures. Don't you agree Doc. It certianly can't hurt. I think the Leatt Brace is long overdue. Even if it merely reduced severe flexion/extension injuries which cause the "hangman's fracture" at C-2, it would be well worth the money.

  • azvetmx270

Posted 13 February 2007 - 02:27 PM

#15

We all want this to work but in reality there is no scientific evidence that this would prevent a spinal cord injury from occurring. Then again it even says it won't in all cases. I guess wearing it won't hurt you so even if it does nothing or might do something then what the heck. Then again we all were knee braces too which do nothing ( I am Guilty ( Cti2's). I wish more than anyone that it works great and if it did it should be a rule like helmets, googles, chest protecter, pants jersey, boots, and gloves

  • amnesia622

Posted 14 February 2007 - 06:51 PM

#16

For 400 dollars a pop they could have a better website if they sold 5 of them.
Also the stock is through the roof.

  • Stubbo

Posted 15 February 2007 - 03:05 PM

#17

I wonder if the SFI 38.1 certification adds any independent scientific credibility to the braces effectiveness? Is this like SNELL, etc. for helmets?

  • moochie

Posted 17 February 2007 - 01:23 PM

#18

Some good insight from mx/sx's head doc on the Leatt...

http://sxweekendwind...11_archive.html

  • amnesia622

Posted 20 February 2007 - 07:35 AM

#19

moochie said:

Some good insight from mx/sx's head doc on the Leatt...

http://sxweekendwind...11_archive.html

That was a good article...

Interesting about the helmet debate and how mx helmet's foam could be too hard for the lower speed impacts...

  • Tiki

Posted 20 February 2007 - 09:21 PM

#20

drmark said:

Too much talk and not enough scientific data. Why not prove the efficacy of this brace with crash dummies?

I am happy to see this posted. Why does the public have to be the Ginnie pigs?



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