Understanding G-force

Which event packs a higher G-force punch — a sneeze or a shuttle launch? Surprisingly, they ring in around the same, at about 3 gravities (Gs).

At the other end of the spectrum, however, is the football tackle, which ranges from about 20 to 180 Gs. The term "G-force" — used to measure force on the body when it is accelerated — has becoming increasingly more relevant in a widening range of fields.

The National Football League, for example, has announced plans to use sensor technology in players' helmets to measure the forces of hits sustained during play. The G-force threshold for most concussions is about 85 to 90 Gs. Multiple concussions can lead to long-term health effects including depression, memory loss and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Measuring G-force in other sports such as hockey is a complex task.

Kim Gorgens, a neuropsychologist and professor at the University of Denver, says research into the subject is needed.

"I don't know of research with accelerometers in hockey helmets (though likely a matter of time) but my understanding is that the forces would be greater given the biomechanical forces involved — velocity is increased (players travel faster on skates than on foot) so deceleration would be increased — increasing G-force of impact," she said in an email.

Here is a chart measuring G-force impacts in incidents ranging from a shuttle launch to a football tackle.