Comparison of Hockey Helmet Lining Technologies in Mitigating Concussion Risk During Simulated Horizontal Head Collisions

The risk of concussions in ice hockey is high despite use of vinyl-nitrile (VN) and expanded polypropylene (EPP) materials in helmet liners. Linings made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) seem to offer better mitigation of impact accelerations. The first purpose of this study was to compare the use of TPU linings to VN and EPP liners on measures of energy absorption capabilities during static loading. The second was to examine the effectiveness of TPU liners in reducing acceleration and risk of head injury when compared to VN and EPP liners during simulated dynamic head impact collisions. The static test indicated that TPU absorbed 38.6% of the loading energy compared to 15.8% for VN and 41.8% for EPP linings. The dynamic testing revealed that the TPU liners outperformed VN and EPP liners at the side, rear boss, and rear locations. Use of multi-material helmet liner made of TPU and EPP is suggested.