Finite element modelling of equestrian helmet impacts exposes the need to address rotational kinematics in future helmet designs.

The research study analyzes the effectiveness of current equestrian helmets in reducing concussions and head injuries in horse racing, and uses simulations to propose improvements for future designs.

Introduction and Purpose

• The study investigates the high rates of concussion and head injuries in horse racing, despite the use of helmets. While acknowledging that existing helmets reduce the severity and frequency of such injuries, the study suggests there’s room for improvement in helmet performance.

Methodology

• The researchers simulated realistic helmet models during standard helmet-on-rigid headform impacts and helmeted head models on University College Dublin Brain Trauma Model (UCDBTM) impacts using finite element simulations in ABAQUS/Explicit.
• The current standards of helmet impact performance are determined solely based on linear acceleration, which the study took into account.

Findings

• The simulations showed that improvements in helmet performance based on linear acceleration do not necessarily correlate with similar improvements in head injury-related brain tissue loads – the values related to brain injury, specifically stress and strain.
• Notably, the study found that angular acceleration was seen to correlate with stress and strain in the brain, contrary to the conventional focus on linear acceleration in helmet design.

Recommendation

• Consequently, the study recommends that future equestrian helmet standards consider angular kinematics, in addition to linear acceleration, in order to mitigate the risk of stress and strain in the brain that leads to injuries.