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As Heads Collide, Helmet Measures Impacts

Tracy Staedter, Discovery News

Photos

Impact Sensor

Between 2004 and 2006, University of North Carolina football players wore the helmets during practice sessions and games. Some players sustained concussions undergoing hits just above 60g while others had no sign of injury after a hit above 90g.

Other findings showed that a single knock to the head at an impact greater than 90g doesn't always result in immediate concussion symptoms, such as headache, nausea, blurred vision or ringing in the ears.

In fact, location, not necessarily force, seemed to play a significant role in brain injury. Six out of 13 players that sustained a concussion had experienced impacts at the top of the their head, as opposed to the side.

The findings could help trainers coach players on how to better position their body to absorb a hit, said Guskiewicz. Such information may also call into question whether players should practice wearing pads, which encourages them to take harder hits in situations where it's not necessary.

The information could lead to better equipment, as well.

"We know that this data is going to help us develop better football helmets in the future," said Thad Ide, vice president of research and development at Riddell.

"You could tailor the helmet to be specific to the position," he said. Adding more padding or other material to areas, such as the crown, could make the helmet more robust, he suggests.

The researchers are now conducting a study to see if players who have reported three or four prior concussions sustain injuries at a lower magnitude than those who have no concussions.

Related Links:

Tracy Staedter's blog: What the Tech?

The Riddell helmet

How Stuff Works: Concussions