title: The evaluation of speed skating helmet performance through peak linear and rotational accelerations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Like many sports involving high speeds and body contact, head injuries are a concern for short track speed skating athletes and coaches. While the mandatory use of helmets has managed to nearly eliminate catastrophic head injuries such as skull fractures and cerebral haemorrhages, they may not be as effective at reducing the risk of a concussion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of speed skating helmets with respect to managing peak linear and peak rotational acceleration, and to compare their performance against other types of helmets commonly worn within the speed skating sport.
  
  
  METHODS
  Commercially available speed skating, bicycle and ice hockey helmets were evaluated using a three-impact condition test protocol at an impact velocity of 4 m/s.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two speed skating helmet models yielded mean peak linear accelerations at a low-estimated probability range for sustaining a concussion for all three impact conditions. Conversely, the resulting mean peak rotational acceleration values were all found close to the high end of a probability range for sustaining a concussion. A similar tendency was observed for the bicycle and ice hockey helmets under the same impact conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Speed skating helmets may not be as effective at managing rotational acceleration and therefore may not successfully protect the user against risks associated with concussion injuries.
authors: Neurotrauma Impact Science Laboratory, University of Ottawa, School of Human Kinetics, , Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Clara
authors: C
authors: Karton
authors: Philippe
authors: P
authors: Rousseau
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Vassilyadi
authors: Thomas Blaine
authors: TB
authors: Hoshizaki
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000517:prevention & control; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012861:Skating / Q000293:injuries*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: Biomechanics; Concussion; Head injuries; Injury Prevention; Sporting injuries