Development of the STAR Evaluation System for Assessing Bicycle Helmet Protective Performance

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Protective Equipment

Background:

• Cycling is a major cause of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in the US.
• Existing biomechanical data inadequately differentiate the protective capabilities of bicycle helmets.
• Understanding helmet performance is crucial for cyclist safety and injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel bicycle helmet evaluation scheme.
• To assess helmet performance based on real-world cyclist accidents and brain injury mechanisms.
• To provide consumers with data on relative helmet impact protection.

Main Methods:

• Thirty bicycle helmet models were tested.
• Oblique impacts were applied to six helmet locations at two velocities.
• The Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk (STAR) equation was used to quantify linear and rotational head kinematics related to concussion risk.

Main Results:

• STAR values, indicating concussion risk, varied significantly among helmet models (10.9-25.3), with lower scores signifying better protection.
• Road helmets demonstrated lower STAR values compared to urban helmets.
• Helmets incorporating slip plane technology exhibited lower STAR values than those without.

Conclusions:

• The developed evaluation protocol effectively differentiates bicycle helmet protective capabilities.
• The findings suggest that road helmets and those with slip planes offer superior protection.
• This protocol can inform consumer choices and encourage the design of safer bicycle helmets.