Prototype Football Helmet May Reduce Head Injuries

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3171%2F2018.1.JNS172733

OG Authors: Scott L. Zuckerman, MD MPH, Bryson B. Reynolds, PhD, Aaron M. Yengo-Kahn, MD, Andrew W. Kuhn, BA, Jacob T. Chadwell, BE, Sarah E. Goodale, BE, Claire E. Lafferty, BE, Kyle T. Langford, BE, Lydia McKeithan, BE, Paul Kirby, BA, and Gary S. Solomon, PhD

Link to Paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6289811/

Summary

-The experiment proposed the use of layered polymers as outer coatings to help reduce linear acceleration and rotational acceleration.

-Dow Corning Compound, a shear thickening polymer was used on one helmet.

-5 different levels of Sorbathane, a shear thinning polymer were used on another helmet.

-Final helmet was original from manufacturer and used as a control.

-All three came from same controls (age of helmet, level of use, never refurbished, model, manufacturer, and size).

-Sorbothane (70-duro) was found to be the most effective; reduced linear acceleration by 5.8% and 10.8% at the side and front boss locations (areas of helmet measured).

-Sorbothane (70-duro) reduced rotational acceleration by 49.8% at the front boss location.

-These findings are significant as current data suggests that the majority of force transmitted to the brain in heavy contact sports occurs through linear acceleration and rotational acceleration.

*Front Boss is just to either side of the mid-line of the helmet in the front.

Prototype Football Helmet May Reduce Head Injuries

Prototype Football Helmet May Reduce Head Injuries

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DOI