Football
equipment design affects face mask removal efficiency
Background: Research has investigated performance of face mask removal
tools for spine injury management in football, but not effects of football
equipment design.
Hypotheses:
Various styles or designs of football helmet equipment (helmets, face masks,
loop straps) affects face mask removal efficiency. A cordless screwdriver
performs more efficiently than cutting tools.
Study Design: Controlled Laboratory Study
Methods: Nineteen ATCs were randomly assigned to Group I (cordless
screwdriver and FM Extractor) or Group II (cordless screwdriver and Trainer's
Angel). Subjects randomly performed face mask removal for six conditions
composed of helmet (3), face mask (3), and loop strap (5) combinations. Time,
head movement, perceived difficulty, and success rates were measured.
Results: Results support the first hypothesis, in that multiple significant
differences were found in time, movement, and perceived difficulty between
the six helmet equipment conditions. A consistent finding among all conditions
was the superior performance in all variables for the Shockblocker loop strap
regardless of tool used or the helmet it was attached to. Results support the
second hypothesis in that the cordless screwdriver created less movement, was
faster, and less difficult compared to cutting tools. Trial failure was more
common with cutting tools than with the screwdriver.
Conclusion: Differences in football helmet equipment affects face
mask removal. The cordless screwdriver is more efficient than the FM Extractor
and Trainer's Angel.
Clinical Relevance: Professionals responsible for the care of football
athletes must be knowledgeable in types of equipment utilized and the best
option available for effective airway access.
2005
Swartz EE, Norkus SA, Cappaert TA, Decoster LC: Football equipment design
affects face mask removal efficiency. Am J Sports Med, 33(8) 1210-1219.
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