Brain Injury Prediction: Assessing the Combined Probability of Concussion Using Linear and Rotational Head Acceleration

• DOI: 10.1007/s10439-012-0731-0
• Publication Date: 2013-01-08T21:50:08Z
• Authors: Steven Rowson; Stefan M. Duma
• Keywords: Angular acceleration

Recent research has suggested possible long term effects due to repetitive concussions, highlighting the importance of developing methods accurately quantify concussion risk. This study introduces a new injury metric, combined probability concussion, which computes overall risk based on peak linear and rotational accelerations experienced by head during impact. The is unique in that it determines likelihood sustaining for given impact, regardless whether would be reported or not. curve was derived from data collected instrumented football players (63,011 impacts including 37 concussions), adjusted account underreporting concussion. predictive capability this metric compared single biomechanical parameters. capabilities these parameters predict incidence were evaluated using two separate datasets: Head Impact Telemetry System (HITS) National Football League (NFL) impact reconstructions dummies (58 25 concussions). Receiver operating characteristic curves generated, all significantly better at predicting than random guessing. had greatest area under datasets. In HITS dataset, acceleration predictors alone, but not different each other. NFL there no significant differences between valuable method assess laboratory setting evaluating product safety.