An Analysis the effect of head and neck orientation on biomechanical parameters of head injury in boxing

Background and Aims: Brain injuries are often induced by the linear and rotational acceleration of the head and neck. Head and neck orientation determines the type and severity of brain injury. The scant focus has been paid to this topic in previous studies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and analyze the impact of head and neck orientation on linear and rotational acceleration in boxing. Methods: In this study, a computer simulation method was utilized to investigate the impact of head and neck orientation on linear and rotational accelerations of the head during punching in boxing. A suitable head and neck and punch model was initially simulated using the Adams software. Then, the inverse kinematic method and Euler ZXZ angles were used to determine the orientation of the head and neck. Results: The findings revealed that the maximum linear and rotational acceleration related to the reference state (anatomical position) was 75g and 4036, respectively. The head and neck orientation did not affect the magnitude of the linear and rotational acceleration in the sagittal plane. However, as the angle of the head and neck orientation increased in the frontal plane, the magnitude of the linear and rotational acceleration decreased. Conclusion: In line with our findings, rotational acceleration was the sole cause of brain injury in boxing. Increasing the orientation of the angle of the head and neck in the frontal plane would reduce intensity. Therefore, by detecting biomechanical parameters associated with a head injury and influential factors affecting it, the severity of the damage, the pertinent risk factors, and relevant rehabilitation solutions can be projected and predicted.