Linear Impact Testing

Wayne State University conducted Linear Impact Testing to examine the severity of impact of blows to head during helmet-to-helmet contact, with Shockstrips and with regular helmets without Shockstrips. Using Riddell Revolution® and Attack® helmets equipped with Shockstrips, 10 tests were conducted at three impact locations; Front, Side, and Back.  All impact was head on, direct to the center of gravity of the head.

The tests measured the two key standards for helmet certification: Head Injury Criteria (HIC) and Severity Index (SI) Testing also measured extra criteria not currently part of the standards for helmet certification: Peak Angular Acceleration (PAA), Peak Resultant Upper Neck Load (PRUNL), and Peak Resultant Upper Neck Moment (PRUNM).

RESULTS SUMMARY:

• Football helmets with Shockstrips perform significantly better than helmets without Shockstrips
  in protecting the head and neck.

• In all tests, helmets with Shockstrips showed a significant decrease in impact from helmet-to-helmet contact, the Severity Index (SI) and Head Injury Criteria (HIC), the standard measurements in helmet certification.

• Linear testing performed on helmets using Shockstrips showed a decrease in impact from helmet-to-helmet contact, with 40% of all tests showing a significant decrease in impact.

• Testing also showed a decrease in loading to the cervical spine.

• Shockstrips only showed increased values in two out of seven tests for Peak Angular Acceleration (PAA),
  and one out of seven tests for Upper Neck Load (PRUNL) measurements, which are still being researched
  and are not part of the current standard.

• While no helmet or device has been proven to reduce concussions, Shockstrips provide added padding to the outside of the helmet to reduce impact from helmet-to-helmet contact.

> CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW COMPLETE DOCUMENT (PDF)