Impact attenuation provided by older adult protective headwear products during simulated fall-related head impacts

INTRODUCTION: While protective headwear products (PHP) are designed to protect older adults from fall-related head injuries, there are limited data on their protective capacity. This study’s goal was to assess the impact attenuation provided by commercially available PHP during simulated head impacts. METHODS: A drop tower and Hybrid III headform measured the decrease in peak linear acceleration (g( atten )) provided by 12 PHP for front- and back-of-head impacts at low (clinically relevant: 3.5 m/s) and high (5.7 m/s) impact velocities. RESULTS: The range of g( atten ) across PHP was larger at the low velocity (56% and 41% for back and frontal impacts, respectively) vs. high velocity condition (27% and 38% for back and frontal impacts, respectively). A significant interaction between impact location and velocity was observed (p < .05), with significantly greater g( atten ) for back-of-head compared to front-of-head impacts at the low impact velocity (19% mean difference). While not significant, there was a modest positive association between g( atten ) and product padding thickness for back-of-head impacts (p = .095; r = 0.349). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the wide range in impact attenuation across commercially available PHP, and suggests that existing products provide greater impact attenuation during back-of-head impacts. These data may inform evidence-based decisions for clinicians and consumers and help drive industry innovation.