0
0
February 2, 2024
A groundbreaking study from Imperial College London has explored the impact of turban styles on the risk of serious head injuries among Sikh cyclists. The research, published in the Annals of Biomedical Engineering, highlights the potential of turban styles to mitigate head injuries during cycling incidents and offers evidence-based recommendations for improved head protection.
Sudden impacts or jolts to the head can result in skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The study aimed to fill the research gap regarding the extent and mechanism by which turbans might alleviate impacts to the head during cycling incidents.
Using crash test dummy heads, researchers examined five different turban styles with variations in wrapping styles, fabrics, and sizes. The study compared the injury risk findings with conventional cycle helmets and bare heads. Notably, turbans were found to significantly reduce the risk of skull fractures, with the style and thickness playing a crucial role.
For impacts to the front of the head, the Dastaar turban style with 3-meter-long and 2-meter-wide Rubia Voile fabric performed the best, reducing the force applied to the head by 23 percent compared to the worst-performing turban style. For impacts to the side of the head, the Dumalla turban style with 10-meter-long and 1-meter-wide Full Voile fabric showed a 59 percent reduction in applied force compared to the least effective turban style.
While the risk of skull fractures and brain injuries was higher with turbans than conventional bicycle helmets, the study suggests recommendations to mitigate risks, including:
- Covering a larger area of the head with a thick layer of fabric.
- Incorporating energy-absorbing materials between fabric layers to increase impact duration and reduce force.
- Reducing friction between fabric layers to minimize rotational force transmitted to the head, reducing the risk of brain injuries.
Lead author Dr. Mazdak Ghajari emphasized the importance of applying expertise to empower Sikhs to protect themselves from head injury. Co-author Dr. Gurpreet Singh stressed the need for advanced, protective materials that align with religious requirements.
The researchers plan to use their findings to develop a force-absorbing turban material, offering improved head protection to Sikhs who wear turbans. The study’s implications could extend to situations where Sikhs are exempt from wearing hard hats and motorcycle helmets due to religious tenets.
Ruth Purdie OBE, Chief Executive of The Road Safety Trust, which funded the research, highlighted the potential to support Sikh cyclists and enhance their safety on the road.
The study, funded by The Road Safety Trust and supported by the Sikh Scientists Network, aligns with the principles of Rehat Maryada – the Code of Sikh Conduct and Conventions.
“An Assessment of Sikh Turban’s Head Protection in Bicycle Incident Scenarios” by Xiancheng Yu, Gurpreet Singh, Amritvir Kaur, Mazdak Ghajari. Published Friday 2 February 2024 in Annals of Biomedical Engineering.
