Citation

Kawalilak CE, Lanovaz JL, Johnston JD, Kontulainen SA. J. Musculoskelet. Neuronal. Interact. 2014; 14(3): 286-293.

Affiliation

College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, International Society of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

25198223

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the linearity and sex-specificity of damping coefficients used in a single-damper-model (SDM) when predicting impact forces during the worst-case falling scenario from fall heights up to 25 cm.

METHODS: Using 3-dimensional motion tracking and an integrated force plate, impact forces and impact velocities were assessed from 10 young adults (5 males; 5 females), falling from planted knees onto outstretched arms, from a random order of drop heights: 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm. We assessed the linearity and sex-specificity between impact forces and impact velocities across all fall heights using analysis of variance linearity test and linear regression, respectively. Significance was accepted at P<0.05.

RESULTS: Association between impact forces and impact velocities up to 25 cm was linear (P=0.02). Damping coefficients appeared sex-specific (males: 627 Ns/m, R(2)=0.70; females: 421 Ns/m; R(2)=0.81; sex combined: 532 Ns/m, R(2)=0.61).

CONCLUSIONS: A linear damping coefficient used in the SDM proved valid for predicting impact forces from fall heights up to 25 cm.

RESULTS suggested the use of sex-specific damping coefficients when estimating impact force using the SDM and calculating the factor-of-risk for wrist fractures.

Language: en