Stochastic-rheological Simulation of Free-fall Arm Impact in Children: Application to Playground Injuries

• Published in: Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering 2004-04, Vol.7 (2), p.63-71
• Main Authors: Davidson, Peter L., Chalmers†, David J., Wilson‡, Barry D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - statistics & numerical data; Adolescent; Age Distribution; Age Factors; Arm - physiopathology; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Human body impact; Humans; Male; Models, Biological; New Zealand - epidemiology; Paediatric arm fracture; Pilot Projects; Play and Playthings - injuries; Radius Fractures - diagnosis; Radius Fractures - epidemiology; Radius Fractures - physiopathology; Rheology - methods; Risk Assessment - methods; Risk Factors; Spring-damper rheological model; Stochastic Processes; Stochastic simulation
• ISSN: 1025-5842; 1476-8259
• DOI: 10.1080/1025584042000206461

The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a stochastic-rheological biomechanical model to investigate the mechanics of impact fractures in the upper limbs of children who fall in everyday situations, such as when playing on playground equipment. The rheological aspect of the model characterises musculo-skeletal tissues in terms of inertial, elastic and viscous parameters. The stochastic aspect of the model allows natural variation of children's musculo-skeletal mechanical properties to be accounted for in the analysis. The relationship of risk factors, such as fall height, impact surface, child mass and bone density, to the probability of sustaining an injury in playground equipment falls were examined and found to closely match findings in epidemiological, clinical and biomechanical literature. These results suggest that the stochastic-rheological model is a useful tool for the evaluation of arm fracture risk in children. Once fully developed, information from this model will provide the basis for recommendations for modifications to playground equipment and surface standards.