UBC researchers believe new helmet could prevent spine injuries
A typical bike helmet can absorb a head-first impact, but when the cyclist’s head stops, the body keeps moving, and that can fracture the spine. Researchers claim the prototype helmet unveiled Tuesday can dissipate up to 56 per cent of the impact.
According to a UBC news release, a head-first impact in sports can load the neck with as much force as the weight of more than five people.
The UBC helmet has two shells: the outer shell takes the impact, and the inner shell rotates to dissipate the direct impact to the cervical spine. The cervical spine is the weakest part of the back, and the UBC team is hopeful protecting it will prevent most neck compressions and fractures.
Peter Clipton, a Mechanical Engineer on the research team at the UBC Injury Biomechanics Laboratory, said the technology could help prevent injury in a number of sports.
"Everything from equestrian to football, to hockey, to mountain biking, snowboarding, motorcycling, and so on, are areas where we think potentially this helmet can help," said Clipton.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/080624/canada/canada_bc_neck_protecting_helmet----
Wow, this is awesome. If this works, which I hope it does, this literally could change the world as we know it. Think about it. wow I'm speechless. This is awesome.
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