Impact attenuation provided by older adult protective headwear products during simulated fall-related head impacts.

Abstract

IntroductionWhile 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsThe 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).ConclusionThis 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.