Potential of Soft-Shelled Rugby Headgear to Lower Regional Brain Strain Metrics During Standard Drop Tests.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The growing concern for player safety in rugby has led to an increased focus on head impacts. Previous laboratory studies have shown that rugby headgear significantly reduces peak linear and rotational accelerations compared to no headgear. However, these metrics may have limited relevance in assessing the effectiveness of headgear in preventing strain-based brain injuries like concussions. This study used an instantaneous deep-learning brain injury model to quantify regional brain strain mitigation of rugby headgear during drop tests. Tests were conducted on flat and angled impact surfaces across different heights, using a Hybrid III headform and neck.

Results

Headgear presence generally reduced the peak rotational velocities, with some headgear outperforming oth

SUBMITTER: Stitt D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11436562 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature