Impact attenuation provided by older adult protective headwear products during simulated fall-related head impacts. (1st September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martel, Daniel R; Tanel, Michelle R; Laing, Andrew C
• Is Part Of: Journal of rehabilitation and assistive technologies engineering. Volume 8(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09-01
• Subjects: Older adults -- head injury -- protective devices -- impact biomechanics -- falls -- gmax; Rehabilitation technology -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1177/20556683211050357
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-6683

Abstract

Introduction: While protective headwear products (PHP) are designed to protect older adults from fall-related head injuries, there are limited data on their protective capacity. This study's goal was to assess the impact attenuation provided by commercially available PHP during simulated head impacts. Methods: A drop tower and Hybrid III headform measured the decrease in peak linear acceleration ( g atten ) provided by 12 PHP for front- and back-of-head impacts at low (clinically relevant: 3.5 m/s) and high (5.7 m/s) impact velocities. Results: The range of g atten across PHP was larger at the low velocity (56% and 41% for back and frontal impacts, respectively) vs. high velocity condition (27% and 38% for back and frontal impacts, respectively). A significant interaction between impact location and velocity was observed ( p < .05), with significantly greater g atten for back-of-head compared to front-of-head impacts at the low impact velocity (19% mean difference). While not significant, there was a modest positive association between g atten and product padding thickness for back-of-head impacts ( p = .095; r = 0.349). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the wide range in impact attenuation across commercially available PHP, and suggests that existing products provide greater impact attenuation during back-of-head impacts. These data may inform evidence-based decisions for clinicians and consumers and help drive industry innovation.