Changes in the impact attenuation performance of field-used hockey helmets over time

A hockey helmet should be capable of protecting the user over the helmet’s intended life span. There is currently little evidence quantifying the changes in the impact attenuation performance of field-used hockey helmets over time.
This study will collect a large sample of field-used hockey helmets from the hockey community for impact testing. The sample is expected to include helmets over a large age range. The impact testing and subsequent statistical analysis will identify age effects over the continuum of helmet age specific to individual helmet makes/models, impact attenuation materials and the entire helmet population. This data will inform an evaluation of the expiry dates applied to helmets and guide future evaluation of helmet standards essential to continual improvement of injury reduction and prevention strategies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Janet Ronsky

Student:

Alex Robertshaw

Partner:

Collision Analysis

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary