Kinematics of four methods of stabbing:​ a preliminary study

Miller, S. A.<sup>1</sup>; Jones, M. D.<sup>2,3</sup>

Affiliations

¹Centre for Sport, P.E. and Recreation, University of Wales Institute, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff CF2 6XD, Wales, UK

²Medical Systems Research Group, University of Wales College Cardiff, ENGIN, PO Box 917, Cardiff, Wales, UK

³Wales Institute of Forensic Medicine, (University of Wales College of Medicine), Royal Infirmary, Cardiff CF2 1SZ, Wales, UK

Abstract and keywords

Despite considerable research and development into stab-resistant clothing, no data exists which provides valid data for knife-body contact speeds which may be used to ensure that an appropriate and standard protection level is provided. Such data can only be obtained by a quantitative kinematic analysis of the stabbing movement. Two-dimensional video techniques (50 Hz) were used to record images of subjects (n = 10) performing each of four stabbing actions; Long Over (LO), Long Under (LU), Short Over (SO), Short Under (SU). Images were digitised from a minimum of ten frames pre-, to at least six frames post-blade entry. A two-way analysis of variance applied to selected kinematic parameters revealed significantly higher (P < 0.01) blade entry speeds for LO and LU as compared to SO and SU, respectively. This was due to the extra distance over which knife speed could be increased in the former conditions. Significantly greater shoulder joint angular velocities were found for LU and SU conditions, whilst for the elbow joint, conditions LO and SO were significantly greater (P = 0.000008). This suggests that the entry speeds during LO and SO are derived from a greater contribution from elbow extensor muscles, whilst those for LU and SU are derived from a greater contribution from the shoulder flexors. It was concluded that two separate kinematic strategies were employed by subjects, and that the maximum speed which may be generated during stabbing is influenced by the manner in which the knife is held.

Keywords: Stabbing; Kinematics

Links

DOI: 10.1016/0379-0738(96)01994-9

PubMed: 8885377

WoS: A1996VP41600008

History

Received: 1996-04-21

Accepted: 1996-06-06

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Cited By (20)

Year	Entry
2003	Bleetman A, Watson CH, Horsfall I, Champion SM. Wounding patterns and human performance in knife attacks: optimising the protection provided by knife-resistant body armour. J Clin Forensic Med. December 2003;10(4):243-248.
2005	Cassidy MT, Curtis M. Victims of penetrating and incised wounds: a review of 200 cases. In: Gilchrist MD, ed. IUTAM Symposium on Impact Biomechanics: From Fundamental Insights to Applications. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer; 2005:405-414. Solid Mechanics and Its Applications; vol 124.
2004	Davison AM. The incised wound. In: Rutty GN, ed. Essentials of Autopsy Practice: Recent Advances, Topics and Developments. London: Springer-Verlag; 2004:187-220.
2012	Tennick CJ. The Identification and Classification of Sharp Force Trauma on Bone Using Low Power Microscopy [PhD thesis]. Preston, UK: University of Central Lancashire; July 2012.
2015	Ní Annaidh A, Cassidy M, Curtis M, Destrade M, Gilchrist MD. Toward a predictive assessment of stab-penetration forces. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. September 2015;36(3):162-166.
2005	Horsfall I, Watson C, Champion S, Prosser P, Ringrose T. The effect of knife handle shape on stabbing performance. Appl Ergon. July 2005;36(4):505-511.
1999	Horsfall I, Prosser PD, Watson CH, Champion SM. An assessment of human performance in stabbing. Forensic Sci Int. June 28, 1999;102(2-3):79-89.
1999	Chadwick EKJ, Nicol AC, Lane JV, Gray TGF. Biomechanics of knife stab attacks. Forensic Sci Int. November 25, 1999;105(1):35-44.
2008	Gilchrist MD, Keenan S, Curtis M, Cassidy M, Byrne G, Destrade M. Measuring knife stab penetration into skin simulant using a novel biaxial tension device. Forensic Sci Int. May 2, 2008;177(1):52-65.
2011	Carr DJ, Wainwright A. Variability of simulants used in recreating stab events. Forensic Sci Int. July 15, 2011;210(1-3):42-46.
2013	Ní Annaidh A, Cassidy M, Curtis M, Destrade M, Gilchrist MD. A combined experimental and numerical study of stab-penetration forces. Forensic Sci Int. December 10, 2013;233(1-3):7-13.
2015	Cowper EJ, Carr DJ, Horsfall I, Fergusson SM. The effect of fabric and stabbing variables on severance appearance. Forensic Sci Int. April 2015;249:214-224.
2017	Benson N, Dos Santos RO, Griffiths K, Cole N, Doble P, Roux C, Blanes L. The development of a stabbing machine for forensic textile damage analysis. Forensic Sci Int. April 2017;273:132-139.
2020	Gaudet JR, Lievers WB, Fairgrieve SI. Development and commissioning of an instrumented pneumatic device to simulate blunt- and sharp-force trauma. Forensic Sci Int. February 2020;307:110123.
2020	Sloan K, Robertson J, Fergusson M, Spratford W. An evaluation of human stabbing performance to inform the standardisation of textile damage examinations: do simulation trials correlate to reported stabbings? Forensic Sci Int. July 2020;312:110305.
2017	Humphrey C, Kumaratilake J, Henneberg M. Characteristics of bone injuries resulting from knife wounds incised with different forces. J Forensic Sci. November 2017;62(6):1445-1451.
2023	Heckmann V, Engum V, Simon G, Poór VS, Tóth D, Molnar TF. Piercing the surface: a mechanical analysis of stabbing with household tools. J Forensic Sci. July 2023;68(4):1218-1227.
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2012	Ní Annaidh A. The Mechanics of Stabbing: A Combined Experimental and Numerical Study of Sharp Force Injury [PhD thesis]. Dublin, Ireland: University College Dublin; July 2012.