Interaction of impact parameters for simulated falls in sport using three different sized Hybrid III headforms

ABSTRACT

This study describes the interaction of impact parameters on peak head acceleration and strain variables for test conditions represented in sport. The Hybrid III 6-year-old child, 5th percentile female, and 50th percentile adult male headforms were subject to parametric tests using a monorail drop tower at four impact velocities (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 m/s), three surfaces (unprotected, protected/helmeted, and well-padded/mat), and four impact locations (frontal, sagittal, combined-plane motions, and a rotationally dominant motion). Scaled finite-element models of the brain were used to obtain peak strains. Regression analyses revealed that compliance produced the greatest increases in head acceleration, while impact velocity was for strain. Smaller headforms were associated with higher responses. Non-uniform trends for impact location were noted and are likely a result of localised headform properties interacting with velocity and compliance. These findings support the need for size-appropriate parameters in the design and development of head protection.

KEYWORDS:

• Falls
• head impact
• sports-related concussion
• Hybrid III

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) post-graduate research scholarship awarded to R. Anna Oeur.