Early primate studies demonstrated a strong correlation between closed head injury (CHI) and sagittal plane angular acceleration of the head. These findings led A.K. Ommaya and A.E. Hirsch in 1971 to propose a theoretical estimate for the angular acceleration necessary to produce a 50% probability of concussion in humans. This scientific poster presents a study that re-examines the results of the primate studies. A logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine: (1) the angular acceleration necessary to produce a 50% probability of CHI in humans; and (2) the full range of probabilities of injury as a function of angular acceleration of the head. The resulting curve has the characteristic "S" shape with the point of 50% characteristic "S" shape with the point of 50% probability of CHI at the value of approximately 1800 radians per second squared as theorized by A.K. Ommaya and A.E. Hirsch.
Abstract