Abstract des Autors

An important goal in biomechanical research is that of reducing the risks of injury. This paper considers the problems of acute head injury in cycling and boxing and of cumulative brain injury in boxing. Head injuries occur frequently in bicycle accidents and some are fatal. The risk of head injury is reduced through the use of cycling helmets that exceed the performance requirements of national standards using impact models and simulations based on sound biomechanical principles. Determining the mechanisms leading to acute traumatic unconsciousness in boxers, however, requires an injury model that incorporates the head, neck and torso system. Mechanical systems have not been useful in this regard because the recorded angular accelerations are well below human tolerance limits. An additional problems is that cummulative brain trauma. After many years, boxers often exhibit posttraumatic encephalopathy. The mechanisms of cumulative brain trauma in boxing may be similar to those associated with the cumulative trauma disorders of repetitive work: mechanical wear due to friction. Just as industry limits workers' exposure to hazards, boxers might be limited in their exposure to boxing bouts. Verf.-Referat