There may be a breakthrough in terms of measuring the impact of blows to the head during sports, an aid in terms of detecting possible concussions.
On Wednesday Reebok-CCM Hockey and MC10 Inc. said that early next year a wearable sports impact indicator — which will be incorporated into a thin mesh skullcap — will be made commercially available to consumers.
The indicator, developed through the collaboration of Reebok’s Advanced Concepts group and electronics company MC10, is “designed to direct athletes on a pathway to assessment to determine if medical treatment or rest is needed before resuming play,” according to the announcement.
The product is specifically designed for players of all ages and skill levels, not just for professionals, and gives players, parents, coaches and trainers a visual measurement of force of impact, the two companies said.
“As one of the leading equipment manufacturers in the world, we are focused on not only improving the performance of amateur and professional athletes, but also doing whatever we can to protect players from possible injury,” Philippe Dube, General Manager of Reebok-CCM Hockey, said in a statement.
“As we know, head injuries are of the greatest concern today, and there is still much to be learned in this area,” he said. “This product is a significant step forward in this process and we’re very excited to be able to make it available to consumers for the first time next year.”
MC10 says that “it reshapes high-performance electronics into ultra-thin systems that stretch, bend and flex seamlessly with the body.” The impact indicator, which will be its first commercial product, is seamless to wear, as “the technology is housed inside a thin, breathable mesh skullcap that fits comfortably under any helmet,” according to the press release.
“Conformal biometric sensors are changing the game for both the elite and the student athlete,” MC10 CEO David Icke said in a statement. “MC10’s sports products give athletes the enhanced sensing they need to optimize peak performance, while safely preserving the benefits and spirit of game play.”
In 2011, Reebok-CCM introduced the Safety Revolution Program, the company’s commitment to improving player safety today and in the future. The company has also partnered with the University of Ottawa’s Neurotrauma Impact Science Laboratory.
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