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New Concussion Prevention and Monitoring Technologies Undergo Field Trials Amid Expert Debate

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New Technologies Address Concussion Risks in Contact Sports

A range of new technologies designed to address concussion risks in contact sports are undergoing field trials in Australia. These include a novel helmet design and an electronic mouthguard system, both of which are available for purchase despite ongoing research into their real-world effectiveness. The development and promotion of these devices have prompted discussion among neuroscientists, sports bodies, and consumer advocates regarding evidence, claims, and player safety.

The GameGear Helmet Trial

Industrial designer Graeme Attey developed the GameGear helmet, which features a lattice of connecting rubber spheres. The design aims to distribute impact force and reduce head acceleration, a key factor in concussion.

Laboratory testing indicated the GameGear helmet reduced head acceleration by 91-94% compared to several other commercial headgear brands in lab conditions.

  • Laboratory Testing: Testing was conducted at the Transport for NSW Crash Lab.
  • Field Trial: A two-year, $800,000 field study led by scientists from Monash University and supported by Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia is currently underway. The trial involves 600 athletes aged 16 and over from elite and community Australian Rules football and rugby league. It aims to assess the helmet's effectiveness in reducing concussion risk in real-game conditions.
  • AFL Standards: The Australian Football League (AFL) has introduced its first Australian Football Headgear Standards. GameGear is currently the only helmet to have met these standards. The AFL's documentation states that meeting the standards does not guarantee protection against head or brain injury.

Expert Perspectives on Headgear

Sports neuroscientists have expressed contrasting views on the promotion and potential of concussion-reducing headgear.

Professor Alan Pearce of Swinburne University described the sale of GameGear helmets before the completion of the field trial as "potentially dangerous," citing concerns that users may develop a false sense of safety.

He and neuroscientist Dr. Chris Nowinski referenced numerous past studies indicating that traditional helmets have not been shown to prevent concussions. Dr. Nowinski noted that American football, where helmets are standard, has a high incidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

  • Developer's Position: Graeme Attey stated that previous studies tested headgear not designed for concussion prevention. He clarified that GameGear does not currently claim to reduce concussion, and that the Monash University study is intended to investigate this.
  • Independent Role: Dr. Andrew McIntosh, a biomechanics expert who led the GameGear testing, stated he has no financial interest in GameGear and commended the effort to meet the AFL's standards.

Player Adoption and Insurance Context

  • Usage: No AFL players currently wear GameGear in official games, though several clubs are in discussions about trialing it in training. NRL player Jake Trbojevic has chosen to wear the helmet during games.
  • NRL Stance: Some sources within the NRL indicated the league does not publicly endorse headgear for concussion prevention due to a lack of established research.
  • Insurance: In a related development, Zurich, the insurer for the AMP Superannuation fund for AFL players, ceased coverage for head trauma from May 1, citing "widespread uncertainty" regarding the potential scale of CTE.

HITIQ Electronic Mouthguard Trial

Alongside helmet development, concussion monitoring technology is also being tested.

HITIQ has developed an electronic mouthguard containing motion sensors. It measures impact force, estimates potential brain compression and strain, and transmits data to a connected app.

  • Function: The app generates an impact score. A score above 75 triggers a recommendation for the player to undergo further medical assessment.
  • Trial and Perspective: The mouthguards are undergoing a trial at Daramalan College. Neuropsychologist Vicki Anderson emphasized the need for more evidence to confirm its ability to accurately predict brain injury.
  • Supplementary Role: Neuroscientist Stuart McDonald stressed that such devices should be viewed as supplementary tools and cannot replace medical diagnosis of concussion.

Market Availability and Consumer Advice

Both the GameGear helmet and HITIQ mouthguard are commercially available while their efficacy trials continue.

  • Pricing: The GameGear helmet retails for over $200. The HITIQ mouthguard costs approximately $300.
  • Market Dynamics: Consumer advocate Christopher Zinn noted that market innovation is a natural response to concerns about brain injury but highlighted the importance of accurate, evidence-backed marketing claims.
  • Developer Justification: Damien Hawes of HITIQ argued the system would identify significantly more potential injuries than having no surveillance, advocating for immediate deployment.