Translational and Rotational Accelerations Generated during Reconstructed Ice Hockey Impacts on a Hybrid III Head Form

Abstract

In this study, the relationship between flagrant impacts to the head and peak translational and rotational accelerations in reconstructed ice hockey impacts was examined. A Hybrid III head-neck complex attached to a sliding table and equipped with nine accelerometers was fitted with an ice hockey helmet and impacted under various striking conditions through the head form's center of mass. Eight right-hand-dominant male ice hockey players carried out three maximal impacts for each of the striking techniques, and peak translational and rotational accelerations were measured. It was found that the highest mean translational and rotational accelerations were generated during the slashing trials to a static head form (138 g and 14, 100 rad∕s2, respectively), while the lowest mean translational and rotational accelerations were produced in the static crosschecking (26.5 g) and moving crosschecking trials (2,260 rad∕s2), respectively. The reconstruction of illegal impacts reflecting flagrant fouls in ice hockey can generate peak translational and rotational accelerations great enough to cause concussive injuries. Accordingly, these types of injurious infractions must be prevented.