Studies and data

Published research results validate ProTech performance

Journal of Concussion, Effect of subconcussive impacts on functional outcomes over a single collegiate football season. Alexa Walter, Madeleine Scaramuzzo, Tim Bream, Peter Seidenberg, Scott Lynch, Semyon M Slobounov. Published December 25, 2020.

Chapter 4: The Effect of Head Acceleration Events on Functional Outcomes: A Two Football Season Comparison Study. Alexa Walter, PhD Dissertation. Published May 5, 2020.

The 3-year University Study

Over a 3-year period, in cooperation with a major university in Pennsylvania, SAFR Sports investigated the effects of accumulated sub-concussive impacts in Division I college football using advanced biomechanical technology on various cognitive processes (via virtual reality), as well as blood biomarkers, and structural and functional integrity (via MRI).

Force was measured with specially-designed helmet sensors

• BodiTrak accelerometers provided through the Head Health Network – elastic fabric with pressure monitors and impact sensors (one of the first validated sensors that measured linear and rotational force)
• Sensors provide information on acceleration, location of impact, and rotational aspect of impact
• Fitted and placed inside athlete’s helmet (different sensors for different helmet styles/brands)

Hits were measured in the following categories over a two-week period

• 25G to 80G: While not considered a concussion, repetitive hits measured in this range can cause long-term health concerns.
• 80G or more Force at this level (or higher) can cause a concussion blow.

Average Hits Per Practice

Practice Type	80G+	25-80G
Scrimmage	15	150
Full pads	4.33	107.4
Uppers	0.76	49
Helmets	0.25	12.25

Force of Hits – Results by Position

Subject Number	Position	Monitored Sessions	Total 80G	Total 25G
1	Tight End	27	0	17
2	Offensive Line	42	3	95
3	Defensive Line	37	5	116
4	Defensive Line	38	7	180
5	Safety	45	5	101
6	Defensive Line	47	11	148
7	Offensive Line	47	10	455
8	Offensive Line	26	0	28
9	Offensive Line	49	15	344
10	Offensive Line	30	5	221
11	Running Back	43	13	110
12	Safety	51	2	124
13	Defensive End	37	4	155
14	Defensive End	32	7	95
15	Defensive Line	2	2	9
16	Defensive Line	36	2	99
17	Defensive Line	47	2	74
18	Offensive Line	38	1	183
19	Linebacker	45	1	151
20	Offensive Line	48	7	301
21	Tight End	37	13	205
22	Linebacker	17	12	83
23	Offensive Line	39	2	315

Football Position is a Factor

Findings suggests offensive and defensive lineman sustain the greatest number of impacts.

While linemen impacts are at a lower magnitude than other positions, impacts are involved in short distance on almost every play.

Cumulative impacts, even at a lower magnitude, may result in long-term health concerns.

The SAFR study tested ProTech for two weeks in the same practice environment

	2015	2015	2016	2016
Subject	Without ProTech 80G+	With ProTech 80G+	Without ProTech 25-80Gs	With ProTech 25-80Gs
1	2	2	79	51
2	2	0	32	6
3	0	1	125	68
4	1	1	156	6
5	6	1	83	34
6	1	0	63	1
7	0	2	13	31
8	2	3	32	40
9	1	1	24	37

Further research in 2017 showed significant results compared to 2015:

	Total 80G	Total 25G	Avg 80G	Avg 25G
2015 16 Linemen without ProTechs	83	2818	5.19	176.13
2017 34 Linemen with ProTechs	123	4433	3.62	130.38

Results from Data Collected

• With ProTechs, the number of sub-concussive hits in the 25-80G category was reduced by more than half in the 14 compared dates from 2016 to 2015.

• With Protechs, the number of hits in the 80G+ category was reduced.

• ProTechs reduced the number and intensity of lower threshold helmet impacts that offensive and defensive linemen experienced during practice.