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. 2002 Jun;37(2):164-171.

Lacrosse Helmet Designs and the Effects of Impact Forces

Shane V Caswell  1 , Richard G Deivert
Affiliations

Lacrosse Helmet Designs and the Effects of Impact Forces

Shane V Caswell et al. J Athl Train. 2002 Jun.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of repetitive impact forces on lacrosse helmets and increase awareness of helmet safety standards about reconditioning and recertification practices. DESIGN AND SETTING: The independent variables for this study consisted of 4 lacrosse helmets of various design: 2 contemporary helmets (Sport Helmets Cascade and Cascade Air) and 2 traditional helmets (Sport Helmets Ultralite and Bacharach Ultralite). The dependent variable was attenuation of impact forces as measured by the Gadd Severity Index (GSI). Helmets were tested at an independent testing facility certified by the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association. MEASUREMENTS: Helmets were raised to 152 cm and released onto an anvil padded with a 1.27-cm rubber modular elastomer programmer. Ten treatments to a front (FD) and right rear boss drop site (RD) were performed. A triaxial accelerometer within the head form measured impact force. Peak acceleration data were integrated into the GSI. We performed a 1-way analysis of variance and calculated descriptive statistics and the Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was seen in FD GSI score (F(3,36) = 9.680, P <.05) and in the RD GSI score (F(3,36) = 28.140, P <.05) between helmet types. Mean GSI scores were 1166.1, 1117.6, 857, and 1222.8 for the FD and 974.5, 1022.1, 1376.3, and 1496.5 for the RD for Sport Helmets Cascade, Cascade Air, Ultralite, and Bacharach Ultralite, respectively. With repetitive drops, GSI scores increased, indicating a greater chance for cerebral injury. Percentage increases in GSI scores from drops 1 to 10 were 48.8, 54.3, 45.6, and 18.8 on the FD and 22.6, 35.9, 71.7, and 57.4 on the RD for the Sport Helmets Cascade, Cascade Air, Ultralite, and Bacharach Ultralite, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate differences between helmets at the 2 drop sites and decreasing capacity of the helmets to dissipate forces with repetitive impacts.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sport Helmets Cascade contemporary design model. Photo courtesy of Sport Helmets.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sport Helmets Cascade Air Fit contemporary design model.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sport Helmets Ultralite traditional design model.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Bacharach Ultralite traditional design model.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Drop testing carriage assembly with head form and contemporary helmet in testing position for a front drop test.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Front drop impact location onto anvil and testing modular elastomer programmer pad with a contemporary helmet design.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Standard deviations of front drop site mean Gadd Severity Index (GSI) values. SC indicates Sport Helmets Cascade; SA, Cascade Air Fit; SU, Sport Helmets Ultralite; and BU, Bacharach Ultralite.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Standard deviations of right rear boss drop site mean Gadd Severity Index (GSI) values. SC indicates Sport Helmets Cascade; SA, Cascade Air Fit; SU, Sport Helmets Ultralite; and BU, Bacharach Ultralite.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Front drop site Gadd Severity Index values by trial for each helmet design. SC indicates Sport Helmets Cascade; SA, Sport Helmets Cascade Air Fit; SU, Sport Helmets Ultralite; BU, Bacharach Ultralite.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Right rear boss drop site Gadd Severity Index values by trial for each helmet design. SC indicates Sport Helmets Cascade; SA, Sport Helmets Cascade Air Fit; SU, Sport Helmets Ultralite; BU, Bacharach Ultralite.
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