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Citation |
Weaver CS, Sloan BK, Brizendine EJ, Bock H. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2006; 38(2): 246-249. |
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Affiliation |
The Indy Racing League, Indianapolis, IN, USA. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2006, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
16531891 |
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Abstract |
PURPOSE:: Traumatic brain injury from automobile crashes is a major source of trauma deaths. The investigation of crashes to understand factors of occupant injuries is an established practice. Our objective was to evaluate the association between vehicle G forces (G) sustained on impact and brain injury in motor sports crashes. METHODS:: We analyzed data regarding Indy Racing League (IRL) car crashes from 1996 to 2003 and compared the likelihood of head injury in those drivers who were in a vehicle that sustained an impact of >/=50 G versus those with a lesser impact. The mean maximal G for those with head injury was compared with those without head injury. RESULTS:: We analyzed 374 crashes. A driver in a crash with an impact of >/=50 G developed a head injury 16.0% (30/188) versus 1.6% (3/186) in those of <50 G (P < 0.001). The mean peak G for those with head injury was 79.6 (SD 28.5) versus 50.6 (SD 28.0) in those with no head injury (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:: Findings were that IRL car crashes with peak vehicle G >/= 50 were associated with the development of traumatic brain injuries. |