Development of a Concussion Risk Function for a Youth Population Using Head Linear and Rotational Acceleration

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Traumatology

Background:

• Youth athletes exhibit distinct physical characteristics, including incomplete myelination and a higher head-body mass ratio, increasing concussion susceptibility.
• Existing concussion biomechanical models primarily focus on adults, necessitating youth-specific risk quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt the Generalized Acceleration Model for Brian Injury Threshold (GAMBIT) into a youth-specific model (GAM-CY).
• To quantify concussion risk in youth football players using head impact data.

Main Methods:

• Adapted the GAMBIT model to create the Generalized Acceleration Model for Concussion in Youth (GAM-CY).
• Utilized survival analysis and head impact data from youth football players (n=15 concussions).
• Generated Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves for peak linear acceleration, peak rotational acceleration, and GAM-CY.

Main Results:

• GAM-CY demonstrated strong predictive capability (Area Under Curve = 0.89), outperforming random guessing.
• Youth athletes showed significantly lower concussion tolerance thresholds compared to adults.
• Average peak linear head acceleration for youth concussion was 62.4 g vs. 102.5 g for adults.
• Average peak rotational head acceleration for youth concussion was 2609 rad/s² vs. 4412 rad/s² for adults.

Conclusions:

• The GAM-CY model effectively predicts concussion risk in youth athletes.
• Data confirm age-related differences in concussion tolerance, with youth exhibiting lower thresholds.
• Findings support the development of youth-specific protective equipment and injury prevention strategies.