Energy analysis of wrist impact and surface rebound

The mechanical interactions during impact of a falling human body onto a non-rigid surface are complex. Mechanical properties of both the impacting body and the impacted surface contribute to risk of injury. Increased understanding of these properties should provide insight into the process and how...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering 2010-10, Vol.13 (5), p.559-566
Main Authors: Davidson, Peter L., Wilson, Suzanne J., Wilson, Barry D., Chalmers, David J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Children
Computer applications
Computer Simulation
Data processing
Energy flow
energy transfer
Human impact
Humans
impact modelling
Injuries
mass/spring/damper rheological model
Mechanical properties
Mechanical stimuli
Physical training
safety surfaces
Tumbling
Wrist
Wrist - physiology
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Summary:The mechanical interactions during impact of a falling human body onto a non-rigid surface are complex. Mechanical properties of both the impacting body and the impacted surface contribute to risk of injury. Increased understanding of these properties should provide insight into the process and how to reduce injury risk. We assessed whether modelling energy flows in the body during impact can provide useful information. As input, we used data from gymnastic tumbling mats and from children performing an exercise involving freefall onto an outstretched arm. Even basic energy transfer principles provided information not discerned by the mechanical approach traditionally used. The model identified differences between surfaces in how energy flowed through an arm and the strains imposed on the wrist during impact and rebound. Therefore, it shows promise for identifying potentially injurious human-surface interactions. Analysis of other human impact situations, and the relationship between the energy flow and injury risk, is planned.
ISSN:1025-5842
1476-8259
DOI:10.1080/10255840903337863