Impact energy attenuation performance of football headgear

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Commercially available football head protectors were tested to determine their impact energy attenuation performance and ability to reduce the likelihood of concussion. METHODS: Prospective study using standardised impact test methods with both rigid (magnesium) and Hybrid III headforms. RESULTS: Eight commercially available head protectors from six manufacturers were tested. The magnitude of the headform accelerations increased as the drop height was increased, ranging from a minimum of 64 g from a height of 0.2 m to a maximum of 1,132 g from a height of 0.6 m. The head injury criterion and maximum headform acceleration values followed a similar trend. A steep increase was noted..