Assessing the validity of a helmet fit checklist in a sample of youth football players

M. R. Lininger, S. W. Yeargin, R. M. Hirschhorn, J. Mensch

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The dynamics of American youth football make it critical to ensure that helmets are appropriately fit to decrease the risk of injuries. Currently, there is only one researcher-developed checklist to determine helmet fit, and psychometric testing is lacking; therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the validity of the checklist. The 13-item checklist was used to measure helmet fit in 267 youth football players prior to the start of the season. Using a Principal Components Analysis to assess validity, a 5-component model was found explaining 58% of the available variance. These results suggest that a single, summative score should not be used for this checklist; rather five scores should be calculated for each component (stability, snugness, size, integrity, and accessory). A more practical and valid tool to assess fit, such as a sub-sectioned chronological American football-specific checklist, can better assist coaches/administrators responsible for helmet fit and player safety.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)357-367
Number of pages11
JournalResearch in Sports Medicine
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Principal components analysis
  • instrument
  • psychometrics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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