Hohenstein Institute, a worldwide provider of product testing and certification services, will offer a webinar on its latest findings in defining helmet fit characteristics for optimal comfort and head protection. The free online seminar will be held on Thursday, March 7, at noon EST. Participants can register online and receive login information.
Recent studies indicate that head injuries have more extensive health implications than previously considered. As a result, improving head protection equipment has become a priority for many sports and occupations where head injury is a risk. In addition to the materials used and the equipment design, helmet fit and comfort are equally critical components for effective head protection gear performance and compliance.
“Head circumference is an important measurement in helmet sizing. However, head shape is perhaps even more critical to determine whether a particular helmet will fit well and be worn correctly by the user,” says webinar presenter Dr. Jan Beringer, who heads the research group of Hohenstein’s department of function and care. “Until now, the data available to equipment designers has been somewhat limited and is now essentially out of date. The studies underway at Hohenstein will add more comprehensive fit measurement components to help equipment designers size and scale their products to fit better and protect as intended.”
Hohenstein’s laboratories and testing facilities feature state-of-the-art, 3-D scanning and imaging equipment. The current head measurement study will evaluate males and females across all ages. In addition to traditional head measurements, the study will also document other dimensional fit factors such as spatial relationships between eyes, noses, ears and mouths to compile a catalog of representative 3-D head profiles or morphotypes. These morphotypes will help helmet designers understand and develop better fitting gear for their particular users.
To participate in the webinar, contact Dina Dunn at [email protected] or register online here.
