Evaluating the Effectiveness of Boxing Headguards in Mitigating Head Impact Accelerations That Cause Concussions by Using a Dynamic Head Model

Abstract

Boxing headguards offer a form of head protection to minimize the risk of head injuries for athletes. Existing literature, however, lacks information regarding the protective capabilities of boxing headguards. This study examined the protective capacity of three boxing headguards in minimizing impact accelerations to the head that cause concussions using a dynamic head model. The researchers implemented thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) inserts in one of the headguards and conducted static tests to examine the material properties of the headguards. The researchers also conducted dynamic testing using a surrogate headform to compare the three boxing headguards in minimizing the risk of concussion for measures of linear and rotational accelerations across different head impact locations. The results of this study revealed that TPU significantly mitigated the magnitude of linear and rotational accelerations when compared to the other headguards. This study offers an avenue to improve athlete safety.