Football helmet with liquid padding may prevent concussions
Stanford University scientists have developed a new football helmet design that could reduce the impact of head hits by one-third or more. The prototype helmet utilises 21 liquid shock absorbers injected into the carbon-fibre structure, offering protection to the delicate brain. Professional athletes are at risk of brain injuries from repeated blows to the head, which can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a severe condition that kills nerve cells in the brain. CTE gets worse over time, and the only definitive diagnosis is made post-mortem. The tragic human and social impact of the condition is significant, and the helmet’s designers are hopeful that it could play a significant role in protecting players from serious head trauma.
FAQs
What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?
CTE is a severe brain injury that occurs due to repeated head trauma. The condition results in the death of nerve cells, and its symptoms include depression, reduced impulse control, and memory loss.
What is the risk of CTE in football?
Football, as a contact sport, poses a high risk of head impact, leading to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Millions of high school and college students participate in football, each of whom is at risk in sustaining serious head injuries that could lead to the condition.
How can the new helmet design help protect football players?
The new carbon-fibre helmet uses liquid shock absorbers injected throughout the structure to absorb the impact of head hits. The helmet design has the potential to reduce the impact of hits by one-third or more, adding a vital layer of protection for players’ heads.
Why is reducing the impact of head hits so critical?
Reducing the impact of head hits is essential to prevent brain injuries among football players. Repeated blows to the head can cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that kills nerve cells in the brain and gets worse over time. The only means to diagnose CTE is post-mortem.
Liquid-Padded Football Helmet: A Possible Concussion Preventative
Researchers at Stanford University have designed a carbon-fiber football helmet with 21 liquid shock absorbers to reduce the impact of hits to the head by a third or more, according to a study published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. “Most of the members of our team have a personal connection to traumatic brain injury and we care deeply about ensuring long-term athlete brain health,” lead author of the study Nicholas Cecchi said in a statement. “Concussion and repeated head impacts are still a major problem in contact sports, and we believe that improved helmet technology can play an important role in reducing the risk of brain injury.”