FIELD STUDIES

LEARN HOW SAFR FOOTBALL HELMET COVERS BETTER PROTECT

A 3-YEAR UNIVERSITY STUDY

Over a 3-year period, in cooperation with a major university in Pennsylvania, SAFR investigated the effects of accumulated sub-concussive impacts in Division I college football using advanced biomechanical technology on various cognitive processes (via virtual reality), as well as blood biomarkers, and structural and functional integrity (via MRI).

Force was measured with specially-designed helmet sensors

BodiTrak accelerometers provided through the Head Health Network – elastic fabric with pressure monitors and impact sensors (one of the first validated sensors that measured linear and rotational force)

Sensors provide information on acceleration, location of impact, and rotational aspect of impact

Fitted and placed inside athlete’s helmet (different sensors for different helmet styles/brands)

Hits were measured in the following categories over a two-week period

25G to 80G

While not considered a concussion, repetitive hits measured in this range can cause long-term health concerns.

80G or More

Force at this level (or higher) can cause a concussion blow.

Average Hits Per Practice

Force of Hits – Results by Position

Football Position is a Factor

Findings suggests offensive and defensive lineman sustain the greatest number of impacts.

While linemen impacts are at a lower magnitude than other positions, impacts are involved in short distance on almost every play.

Cumulative impacts, even at a lower magnitude, may result in long-term health concerns.

The field study tested SAFR Helmet Covers for two weeks in the same practice environment

Further research in 2017 showed significant results compared to 2015:

RESULTS FROM DATA COLLECTED

With SAFR Helmet Covers, the number of sub-concussive hits in the 25-80G category was reduced by more than half in the 14 compared dates from 2016 to 2015.
With SAFR Helmet Covers, the number of hits in the 80G+ category was reduced.
SAFR Helmet Covers reduced the number and intensity of lower threshold helmet impacts that offensive and defensive linemen experienced during practice.

Published research results validate SAFR Helmet Covers performance

Journal of Concussion, Effect of subconcussive impacts on functional outcomes over a single collegiate football season. Alexa Walter, Madeleine Scaramuzzo, Tim Bream, Peter Seidenberg, Scott Lynch, Semyon M Slobounov. Published December 25, 2020.

Chapter 4: The Effect of Head Acceleration Events on Functional Outcomes: A Two Football Season Comparison Study. Alexa Walter, PhD Dissertation. Published May 5, 2020.

For more information about data or studies, please contact us.