How Much Action Can Hip Protectors Take on the Field Hockey Turf?

We love field hockey here at Instron and are looking forward to catching some of the action as it unfolds during the London Olympics 2012. Field hockey is an exhilarating game that demands speed, stamina, and excellent hand-eye co-ordination from its players in order to succeed.

Unfortunately, field hockey also presents numerous opportunities for injuries due to the fast-paced, repetitive actions of the sport (not to mention the use of the hard stick and ball!). A high proportion of these injuries can be prevented by ensuring the correct protective equipment, such as hip protectors, are worn.

At Instron, we use our CEAST 9350 Impact Testing System to test the impact resistance of protective items such as the hip protectors worn during hockey. The evaluation of the performance of the protector is conducted by simulating a fall on the impact test system. The test configurations of these systems can then be specifically designed in order to accurately reflect the pressures placed upon the protector during different falls and test their suitability for use—clever!

Read our recommended testing solutions for impact resistance of hip protectors using our CEAST 9350 testing system.