Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier. (2017-2018 à 2020-2021)

The use of helmets by athletes has drastically reduced the incidence of severe brain injuriesx000D
resulting from head impacts. Despite widespread use of helmets, there continues to be ax000D
concerning level of incidence of concussion. In contrast to the majority of traumatic injuries, ax000D
concussion may not cause visible structural damage to the brain, but results in the rapidonsetx000D
of neurological dysfunction. Repeated trauma has been linked to a neurodegenerativex000D
disease with devastating mental health outcomes, including increased levels of depression,x000D
aggression, and suicidality.x000D
Helmet testing standards implemented to reduce brain trauma involve monitoring thex000D
acceleration profiles of a drop-tested helmeted rigid headforms to ensure that criticalx000D
thresholds are not exceeded. Hard acceleration thresholds may not be adequate to definex000D
critical conditions for trauma, particularly when an impact induces a rotational acceleration ofx000D
the head or when we consider evidence that repeated subconcussive impacts have also ledx000D
to significant neurodegeneration. The response of a human brain is certainly more complexx000D
than our current testing may be able to resolve, requiring a new basis of evaluation.x000D
The proposed research project will combine cadaver testing with finite element modelling tox000D
inform the design and validation of a next-generation deformable headform for impact testing.x000D
This new headform will return measurements of brain deformation that occur during thex000D
impact. Since the brain undergoes significant deformation during an impact, it is expected thatx000D
this measurement would be more sensitive to the rotational forces that are detrimental to thex000D
brain. Upon completion, the developed headform will provide standards committees with anx000D
alternative that may replace the current standards. Advancing the state of helmet evaluationx000D
has the potential to increase the long-term quality of life for numerous Canadians at risk forx000D
concussion.