Influence of the Backward Fall Technique on the Sagittal Linear Acceleration of the Head during a Fall

Abstract

(1) Background: This research aimed to determine the effect of the backward fall technique on the sagittal linear acceleration of the head in students training in different sports. (2) Methods: The study involved 41 students divided into two study groups. Group A included 19 students training in martial arts who practised falls with side aligning of the body. Group B included 22 handball players who practised falls performed in a way similar to a gymnastic backward roll. A rotating training simulator (RTS) was used to force falls, and Wiva ® Science apparatus was used to assess acceleration. (3) Results: Significant changes in head acceleration were only obtained between immediate fall tests (IFTs) and forced fall tests (FFTs) in group B. Significant differences were noted between groups for the IFT and FFT. Greater changes in head acceleration were noted in group B. (4) Conclusions: Smaller changes in head acceleration in group A students indicate a lower susceptibility to head, pelvic and cervical spine injuries in falls performed backward with side aligning of the body. This technique in group A limited the differences in head acceleration between IFTs and FFTs. Negative acceleration values obtained in group B confirmed that the head may suffer a moment of force, tilting it backwards, but then forward when the buttocks hit the ground.

Influence of the Backward Fall Technique on the Transverse Linear Acceleration of the Head during the Fall

“…The research material is the same as described in the already published article [ 11 ]. A total of 41 physical education students aged 19–26 were qualified for the study.…”

“…At the same time, the risk of a fall is increased when practicing certain sports, especially those involving frequent and direct contact between players, as in rugby, handball, football, or in martial arts. Some researchers report that perfecting proper motor habits during a fall may reduce its unwanted effects [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. This is possible, naturally, if the forces causing a fall allow for the performance of certain motor activities.…”

“…Falls may also lead to severe injuries of the cervical spine [ 18 , 19 ], which is closely linked to the head in the biokinematic chain. According to some scientific publications, practicing sports such as handball or martial arts, such as aikido or jujitsu, can reduce the risk of hitting the head against the ground when falling backwards [ 10 , 11 , 14 ].…”

“…The biomechanical analysis of the backward fall shows that the moment of contact with the ground during a backward fall with an inappropriate fall technique may cause the head to hit the ground as well as generate large forces acting on the head [ 14 ]. The acceleration achieved by the head in the sagittal plane is mainly responsible for the backward or forward motion of the head when falling backward, revealing more about the forces acting horizontally towards the head [ 11 ]. The acceleration obtained in the transverse plane provides more information about the forces generated in the vertical direction relative to the head.…”

“…In fact, the resultant linear acceleration vector obtained from acceleration vectors in the sagittal and transverse planes are responsible for the susceptibility of the head to damage during a fall. In order to fully analyse this susceptibility, it is necessary to examine the acceleration in both the transverse and sagittal planes, which has already been studied [ 11 ]. The results obtained in this publication concern the analysis of acceleration in the transverse plane; however, for a complete analysis, these results should be compared with the previous results concerning acceleration in the sagittal plane.…”