Sport Innovation/Technology in NFL helmets/FAQ

FAQ:

When did testing on the helmets start?

Helmets began to be manufactured for public purchase towards the end of 2010. The 2011 season saw the beginning of populated usage within high school games for testing purposes.

How much weight does the technology add to the helmet?

It weighs 6 ounces and is quite similar to a foam pad with six sensors (OBrien, 2005).

Who is responsible for monitoring the impact data?

Riddell advertise the technology with the idea that the team doctor is responsible for managing the real time impacts through the laptop (Riddell, 2012). Obviously within each team dynamic the responsibility however will be unique to that team.

What is the most common helmet-related injury?

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is the most common head injury. It is caused by any blunt force trauma to the head and can result in minor bruising or severe degrees of concussion.

How sensitive are the accelerometers?

Due to the initial stages of testing the sensitivity of the accelerometers are still under development however by following the link below and scrolling to the bottom of the page the first initial data recorded is represented within a graph.

http://www.riddell.com/innovation/hits-technology/