The University of Miami has revealed a new headgear set that they will begin using to test for concussions. The test will take approximately 20 to 30 seconds for each individual.
A Miami player using the new goggles
If successful, the goggles can be revolutionary for the medical field. Whereas some testing can take time or yield invalid results, this form of testing aims at a quick response time with little error.
Tragedy struck the Ohio State football program on Sunday. Senior walk-on Kosta Karageorge, who had been reported missing four days earlier, was found dead in a dumpster near the Ohio State campus. It appeared he had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Kosta Karageorge
One of Karageorge’s teammates said that Karageorge suffered multiple concussions, but he never reported them. Depression is one of the side effects that comes with concussions. Although this is an unfortunate circumstance, maybe more athletes will feel more inclined to report their concussions instead of playing through them.
Concussions and football have sadly arrived at the point where they go hand in hand. A county in Kentucky was granted a $150,000 grant to purchase 235 helmets, provide salary for trainers, and most importantly, maintain their concussion testing.
Concussions can leave permanent damage on the brain.
This is something that more areas need to try and do. Concussions are depriving many athletes of playing a beautiful game. The issue needs to be addressed the way Kentucky has attempted to address it.
i1 Biometrics and the LSU football program are testing a new type of technology to try and reduce the risk of players contracting concussions. The Vector Mouthguard is being used by 20 players in practice and in games for LSU.
The Vector Mouthguard LSU is using
Although it is not the first piece of equipment that tracks data on hits players take, i1 Biometrics said it is the first piece of equipment to track the impact the player is actually receiving. Instead of sensors in a helmet that tracks how much impact the helmet takes, the mouthpiece stays in contact with the skull and tracks the force it takes. The mouthpiece sends the information in real time to a smart phone on the sidelines and if used properly, i1 Biometrics said this technology could prevent players from playing through those mild concussions that can’t be spotted.
Concussions and Football 