The new special issue of the Journal of Athletic Training, the scientific publication of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, is shedding more light on concussions through a series of studies. Among them is a study on the availability and efficacy of head-impact-measurement devices and their clinical utility. Among the conclusions were that “head-impact sensors have limited applications to concussion diagnosis but may provide sideline staff with estimates of athlete exposure and real-time data to monitor players. Given that concussion risk is influenced by many factors in addition to impact biomechanics, viewing an athlete’s head-impact data may provide context for the clinician working on the sidelines, but impact sensors should not replace clinical judgment.”
In other words, whereas many devices exist to collect head-impact data (including special football helmets, special headbands for soccer and lacrosse players, mouthguards, etc.), they should not be used as a means for concussion diagnosis. They can help protect from concussion, but there are too many factors that may play into a concussion outside of the equipment itself.