The Implications of Surface Friction on Snowsport Helmet Oblique Impact Kinematics

<div>Head injuries account for 15% of snowsport-related injuries, and the majority of head impacts occur against ice or snow, low-friction surfaces. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate how surface friction affects snowsport helmets’ oblique impact kinematics. Ten helmet models were impacted using an oblique drop tower with a 45-degree anvil and NOCSAE headform, at three locations, two surface friction conditions, and a drop speed of 5.0 m/s. Our findings indicate that friction affects peak linear acceleration, peak rotational acceleration, and peak rotational velocity during helmet impacts, with changes in post-impact rotation and impact response varying by location. Surface friction affects head impact kinematics, underscoring the need for sport-specific lab testing and emphasizing the need for friction-specific and sport-specific testing, particularly for snowsports, where surface conditions like snow and ice can alter kinematics.</div>