Concussions: Linear vs Rotational forces
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The type of force and location of head impact may increase the likelihood of a concussion. Studies show that strikes aimed to the side of the head may be more effective than strikes aimed at the front.
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“Higher linear and angular accelerations produced longer periods of unconsciousness (more than 3 times) on the side than at any of the other locations. (Hodgson 1983)”. .
“Model predictions have shown that the laterally impacted brain experiences a larger skull deformation, a higher intracranial pressure, and a higher shear deformation as compared to a brain impacted from the frontal direction. (Zhang 2004)”. .
Based on the anatomical design of the brain, brain tissue deforms easier to shear forces and rotational accelerations have a higher potential to cause shear-induced tissue damage. “Shear deformation caused by rotational acceleration is the predominant mechanism of injury in concussion ( Meaney 2010)”.
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@aaronpicousa @bellatormma .
References:
1. Hodgson, V. R., Thomas, L. M., & Khalil, T. B. (1983). The role of impact location in reversible cerebral concussion (No. 831618). SAE Technical Paper.
2. Meaney, D. F., & Smith, D. H. (2011). Biomechanics of concussion. Clinics in sports medicine, 30(1), 19-31.
3. Zhang, L., Yang, K. H., & King, A. I. (2004). A proposed injury threshold for mild traumatic brain injury. Transactions-American Society of Mechanical Engineers Journal of Biomechanical I Engineering, 126(2), 226-236.