title: Stochastic-rheological simulation of free-fall arm impact in children: application to playground injuries.
abstract: The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a stochastic-rheological biomechanical model to investigate the mechanics of impact fractures in the upper limbs of children who fall in everyday situations, such as when playing on playground equipment. The rheological aspect of the model characterises musculo-skeletal tissues in terms of inertial, elastic and viscous parameters. The stochastic aspect of the model allows natural variation of children's musculo-skeletal mechanical properties to be accounted for in the analysis. The relationship of risk factors, such as fall height, impact surface, child mass and bone density, to the probability of sustaining an injury in playground equipment falls were examined and found to closely match findings in epidemiological, clinical and biomechanical literature. These results suggest that the stochastic-rheological model is a useful tool for the evaluation of arm fracture risk in children. Once fully developed, information from this model will provide the basis for recommendations for modifications to playground equipment and surface standards.
authors.affiliation: Injury Prevention Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, P.O. Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Peter L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Chalmers
authors.forename: Barry D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010988:Play and Playthings / Q000293:injuries*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012212:Rheology / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013269:Stochastic Processes