An analysis of maximum vehicle G forces and brain injury in motorsports crashes.
OBJECTIVE
Traumatic brain injury from automobile crashes is a major source of trauma deaths. The investigation of crashes to understand factors of occupant injuries is an established practice. Our objective was to evaluate the association between vehicle G forces (G) sustained on impact and brain injury in motor sports crashes.


METHODS
We analyzed data regarding Indy Racing League (IRL) car crashes from 1996 to 2003 and compared the likelihood of head injury in those drivers who were in a vehicle that sustained an impact of > or =50 G versus those with a lesser impact. The mean maximal G for those with head injury was compared with those without head injury.


RESULTS
We analyzed 374 crashes. A driver in a crash with an impact of > or =50 G developed a head injury 16.0% (30/188) versus 1.6% (3/186) in those of <50 G (P < 0.001). The mean peak G for those with head injury was 79.6 (SD 28.5) versus 50.6 (SD 28.0) in those with no head injury (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings were that IRL car crashes with peak vehicle G > or = 50 were associated with the development of traumatic brain injuries.
Weaver
Christopher S
CS
The Indy Racing League, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. chsweave@iupui.edu
Sloan
Brian K
BK
Brizendine
Edward J
EJ
Bock
Henry
H
D000054:Acceleration; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006112:Gravitation; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D016015:Logistic Models; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013177:Sports