Innovative multi purpose c-spine protective wear design: Enhancing protection against rugby- related cervical spine injuries

Abstract

Rugby is a violent, high contact sport with high risk of neck injury from predominantly forceful contact collisions, sudden direction of motion, and limited use of protective gear. In spite of more regulation and training procedures being implemented, neck injuries remain serious risks. This study answers design and evaluation of a cervical spine guard that minimizes risk of injury and preserves player agility and efficiency. Use of biomechanical modeling methods, Hybrid III test models, and in-situ athlete measurements is used in research to determine motion patterns of the neck and injury dynamics of common rugby maneuvers in tackles and dive attempts during tries and sudden direction of motion in movement direction change. Six controlled tests were performed to determine the effectiveness of the device in limiting the neck angular motion, speed, and rate of acceleration in impact. Results of the study revealed that the guard increased cervical stability by reducing the angular acceleration from 1.59 to 1.30 ݑ߰ݑΰݑѰݑ