ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 18 December 2008
Page Count: 11

A Comparison of Peak Linear and Angular Headform Accelerations Using Ice Hockey Helmets

Rousseau, P.
Neurotrauma Impact Laboratory, University of Ottawa, School of Human Kinetics, Ottawa, Ontario

Post, A.
Neurotrauma Impact Laboratory, University of Ottawa, School of Human Kinetics, Ottawa, Ontario

Hoshizaki, T. B.
Neurotrauma Impact Laboratory, University of Ottawa, School of Human Kinetics, Ottawa, Ontario

(Received 7 May 2008; accepted 14 November 2008)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to quantify the ability of hockey helmets to manage peak angular and linear acceleration of the center of gravity of a Hybrid III headform at six impact locations and three velocities (5, 7, and 9 m/s). The method was intended to represent a reconstruction of helmet, shoulder, and elbow strikes to the head. Six different ice hockey helmets were impacted using a pneumatic linear impactor at velocities similar to those encountered in ice hockey. The results were then compared to impacts to an unhelmeted headform. The data demonstrated that under certain conditions, peak angular accelerations were above estimated injury thresholds, while peak linear accelerations remained below. This confirmed the importance of measuring peak angular acceleration and peak linear acceleration in order to better predict minor traumatic brain injuries.

Keywords:
angular acceleration, ice hockey, helmet, mTBI

Paper ID: JAI101877
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101877
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.