Evaluating the Performance of a Hockey Helmet in Mitigating Concussion Risk Using Measures of Acceleration and Energy During Simulated Free Fall

Evaluating the Performance of a Hockey Helmet in Mitigating Concussion Risk Using Measures of Acceleration and Energy During Simulated Free Fall

Carlos Zerpa, Stephen Carlson, Eryk Przysucha, Meilan Liu, Paolo Sanzo
Copyright: © 2021 |Pages: 18
DOI: 10.4018/IJEACH.2021070104
OnDemand:
(Individual Articles)
Available
$37.50
Current Special Offers
No Current Special Offers
TOTAL SAVINGS: $37.50

Abstract

Hockey helmets represent the best form of head protection available to reduce the occurrence of skull fracture and concussion. Currently, helmet testing protocols focus on the reduction of peak linear acceleration measures. Gaps exist in analyzing how certain impact factors such as angle, neck stiffness, and location influence the energy loaded to the helmet and the risk of injury during head collisions. This study examined the effect of helmet impact angle, neck stiffness-torque levels, and helmet impact locations on energy reduction and risk of head injury grounded on acceleration measures using simulated free fall head collisions. The researchers conducted 540 impacts to collect the data. The results revealed statistical interaction effects between the angle of impact and location on measures of energy and risk of head injury. This study builds on existing literature by introducing an energy measurement technique to assess helmet performance. The outcome also provides an avenue for helmet manufacturers to evaluate the performance of the helmet in reducing concussion risk.
Article Preview
Top

Background

Concussions refer to mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) because they produce a transient neurophysiologic brain dysfunction due to structural axonal and neuronal damage in patients (Katz et al., 2015). A transient neurophysiologic brain dysfunction leads to cognitive, physical, behavioral, and emotional side effects (Arciniegas et al., 2005). Common side effects of concussion reported in ice hockey players include headaches, issues related to concentration, antero- and/or retrograde memory loss, balance issues, and motor control loss (Arciniegas et al., 2005).

Complete Article List

Search this Journal:
Reset
Volume 6: 1 Issue (2024): Forthcoming, Available for Pre-Order
Volume 5: 1 Issue (2023)
Volume 4: 2 Issues (2022): 1 Released, 1 Forthcoming
Volume 3: 2 Issues (2021)
Volume 2: 2 Issues (2020)
Volume 1: 2 Issues (2019)
View Complete Journal Contents Listing