Biomechanical analysis of football neck collars.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the load-limiting capabilities of protective neck collars used in football through dynamic impact testing.


METHODS
A 50th-percentile male Hybrid III dummy was used in 48 dynamic impact tests comparing The Cowboy Collar, Bullock Collar, and Kerr Collar. A control and each collar were tested at two velocities (5 m/s and 7 m/s), three impact locations (front, top, and side of the helmet), and two shoulder pad positions (normal and raised).


METHODS
Research laboratory.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
None. Independent variables were the neck collars, impact velocity, and shoulder pad position.


METHODS
In addition to range of motion, upper and lower neck forces and moments were measured.


RESULTS
With the top impact location, it was found that the Kerr Collar and Bullock Collar reduced head accelerations and force transmission through the neck. With the front impact location, all the collars reduced lower neck moment. The Kerr Collar was also capable of reducing the lower neck force and upper neck moment. With the side impact location, the Kerr Collar substantially reduced lower neck moment.


CONCLUSIONS
These reductions in loads correlate with the degree to which each collar restricted the motion of the head and neck. By restricting the range of motion of the neck and redistributing load to the shoulders, neck loads can be effectively lowered.
Rowson
Steven
S
Virginia Tech-Wake Forest Center for Injury Biomechanics, 100F Randolph Hall, MC 0238, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. srowson@vt.edu
McNeely
David E
DE
Brolinson
P Gunnar
PG
Duma
Stefan M
SM
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005538:Football; D006801:Humans; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011482:Protective Devices; D019876:Sports Equipment