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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
[Biomechanical analysis of cervical spine movement on removal of motorcycle helmets]
Raquel Gordillo Martín1, María Isabel Hontoria Hernández1, Laura Juguera Rodríguez2
1Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, España.
Objectives:
To measure cervical spine movement during removal of a motorcycle helmet by health care professionals.
Material And Methods:
Observational study using biomechanical inertial sensors to detect movement in the spinal column during removal of helmets.
Results:
Thirty-four emergency medicine specialists and nurses participated. The mean (SD) rotation was 1.14° (0.82°) to the left and 3.30° (1.69°) to the right (P<.001). Mean flexion was 9.82° (7.46°) and mean extension was 6.23° (6.86°) (P<.001). Mean lateral displacement was 5.73° (2.97°) to the left and 5.62° (8.22°) to the right (P=.678). The removal maneuvers took a mean of 70 seconds (4 seconds).
Conclusion:
Helmet removal was completed in an average of 70 seconds with flexion and rotation mainly toward the side where the professional supporting the head was positioned.
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