ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the role of cervical spine finite element model in predicting the risk of cervical ligament injury during Sanda combat (Chinese boxing),and compare the differences in mechanical responses of cervical ligaments after hit by Baiquan (hook boxing) or by Straight punches (cross boxing).Methods After 3D reconstruction of head-neck osseous structure by using Mimics software based on CT images,an accurate headneck finite element model was developed with HyperMesh software.The moment-ROM (range of motion) of the model and the head acceleration after punching were validated.Then differences in ligament stress and distribution were compared between Baiquan and Straight punches under different punching forces (2.60,3.30,4.35kN).Results The established head-neck model was validated to have good biofidelity,and the predicted values of head linear acceleration and rotational acceleration after punching were in agreement with those reported in the literatures.As the punching force increased from 2.6 kN to 4.35 kN,the maximum stress in cervical ligament was 207,265,263 N for Baiquan,and 96.8,91.4 and 101.4 N for Straight punch,which was located at atlantoaxial ligaments.Under the same force level,Baiquan generated greater force than that by Straight punch for cervical ligament.Conclusions Compared with Straight punch,cervical ligament injuries are more likely to occur by Baiquan during Sanda combat,and the established finite element neck-head model can be used to study biomechanical mechanism of Sanda-induced injuries,and provide more accurate references for Sanda training and injury prevention.