Validation of a Custom Instrumented Retainer Form Factor for Measuring Linear and Angular Head Impact Kinematics

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Head impact data in youth contact sports remains poorly understood.
• Accurate head acceleration measurement is crucial for understanding sports-related concussion.
• Custom-instrumented mouthpieces offer superior head impact data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a sensor device within an acrylic retainer for measuring six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) head kinematics.
• To compare mouthpiece-measured head kinematics with data from an anthropomorphic test device (ATD).

Main Methods:

• A sensor was integrated into a rigid acrylic retainer form factor.
• The device measured six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) head kinematic response.
• Mouthpiece kinematics were compared to ATD measurements at the head's center of gravity (CG).

Main Results:

• The retainer-based sensor demonstrated excellent coupling with the upper dentition.
• Highly accurate kinematic results were achieved, closely matching ATD data.
• Peak head kinematics showed strong correlations: r² > 0.98 for rotational velocity and linear acceleration, r² = 0.93 for rotational acceleration.

Conclusions:

• A rigid retainer-based form factor is an accurate and promising method for collecting head impact data.
• This technology can be applied to various helmeted and non-helmeted sports.
• Improved understanding of head impact exposure will aid in mitigating sports-related concussion.