Presentation
Static Optimization-Based Cervical Spine Load Estimation to Evaluate Firefighter Helmet Effects
DescriptionProlonged use of heavy firefighter helmets with unbalanced center of mass has been linked to increased cervical spine loading and a higher risk of neck injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical impact of two helmet designs—a high-profile US-style helmet and a low-profile European (EU)-style helmet—on cervical joint reaction forces (JRFs) during dynamic and static head-neck movements. Ten firefighters performed flexion-extension and lateral bending tasks while wearing no helmet, the US helmet, or the EU helmet. Motion capture and ground reaction force data were used in musculoskeletal simulations with OpenSim to estimate cervical JRFs. Results demonstrated that helmet use significantly increased compressive forces during static flexion, static extension, and dynamic flexion-extension, with the US helmet consistently producing higher anteroposterior and mediolateral shear forces. The US helmet’s higher center of mass (38.2%) and greater moment of inertia (10%) were associated with greater joint loading despite being 250g lighter than the EU helmet, which could predispose users to intervertebral disc degeneration and cervical instability over time. These findings emphasize the importance of helmet design, particularly optimizing the center of mass location, to minimize cervical spine loading and reduce the risk of long-term musculoskeletal injuries in firefighters.
Event Type
Lecture
TimeWednesday, October 15th12:10pm - 12:30pm CDT
LocationGrand C/D South
Occupational Ergonomics
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