The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of varied helmets,
face
masks, and loop straps on face mask removal. Fifteen certified athletic
trainers
reported for two data collection sessions and used a cordless screwdriver
(SD) and FM Extractor (FM). Subjects signed an informed consent and were
trained
in unscrewing or cutting the face mask for all conditions. Conditions
included
combinations of 3 helmets (Riddell VSR-4 (R4), Riddell Revolution (RV),
and
Schutt Air Advantage (ST)) 3 face masks (Riddell thin wire, Schutt Armourguard
Elite, Riddell Revolution) and 5 loop straps (Riddell standard (RS),
Schutt
Armourguard (SA), Maxpro Shockblocker (SB), Stabilizer II (SII), Revolution
(Rev)). Each subject then removed the face mask two times for all conditions.
Trial order was counterbalanced, and data were analyzed for average time
(T)
in seconds (s) and a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to indicate the
level
of difficulty for each condition. Data were analyzed using a MANOVA (alpha
= .05) with Bonferonni adjustments and follow-up comparisons when appropriate.
When using a SD, a significant effect was detected for T (P=.007). Pairwise
comparisons revealed subjects took longer to remove a face mask from
an R4
helmet when it was attached using the SII (55.83 ±13.12 s) compared
to when it was attached using a SB on both the R4 (63.08±14.77s)
(P=
.023) and ST (103.57±25.86s) (P= .008). There were no differences
between
conditions in RPE for subjects when using the SD. When subjects used
the FM,
a significant effect was detected for T (P=.000). Pairwise comparisons
revealed
subjects took longer to remove the face mask from an RV when attached
with
Rev (165.67±29.40s) compared to when attached using SB on both
R4 and
ST (no times? P= .001, P=.047). Face mask removal took significantly
longer
using SA (203.33±25.86s) compared to RS (95.00±7.07s) (P=.004),
SB when attached to R4 (time? P=.000), and SB when attached to ST (time?P=.001).
A significant effect was detected for RPE (P=.026) when using the FM,
yet follow
follow-up tests did not identify differences between specific conditions.
Subjects
reported the highest RPE when removing the face mask from the RV (6.833±1.02)
and lowest RPE when removing the face mask from the R4 when attached
with the
SB (2.67±.72) These results demonstrate that regardless of type
of
tool used, football helmet components effect the efficiency of face mask
removal.
Further research should compare effects on head movement.
*This investigation was funded by the National Operating Committee
on Standards
in Athletic Equipment
2004 Swartz EE, Norkus SA,
Cappaert TA, Decoster LC: Various types of football helmets, face
masks, and face mask loop straps, and their effects on the efficiency
of face mask removal (Abstract). J Athletic Training, Vol 39, Suppl
