Equipment

Authors: Rodolfo R. Navarro, MD

Various types of protective equipment have been used as a means to prevent concussions, and protective equipment is being used more frequently in different sports. Recent investigations have suggested that a protective, but not preventive, effect may be afforded by mouthguard use in rugby players, headgear use in soccer players, and customized mandibular orthotic use in football players.

Authors: Daniel H. Daneshvar, MAa,*, Christine M. Baugh, ABa,; Christopher J. Nowinski, ABa,b, Ann C. McKee, MDa,; Robert A. Stern, PhDa, Robert C. Cantu, MDa,b,c,d,e

Protective headgear and helmets decrease the potential for severe TBI after a collision by reducing the acceleration of the head on impact, thereby decreasing the brain-skull collision and the sudden deceleration-induced axonal injury.

Authors: B W Benson,1 G M Hamilton,1 W H Meeuwisse,1 P McCrory,2 J Dvorak3

To determine if there is evidence that equipment use reduces sport concussion risk and/or severity.

Authors: J A Pettersen

Source: www.bjsportmed.com

Although most players in the study believe that rugby headgear may prevent concussion, only a minority reported wearing it. Coaches tended to be less convinced than the players that rugby headgear can prevent concussion.

Source: Dr Andrew McIntosh, Biomechanics and Gait Laboratory, School of Safety Science, University of New South Wales.

The effectiveness of headgear in reducing injury in rugby union football was studied during 2002 and 2003 in Sydney, Australia, using a randomised controlled trial study design.

Authors: Paul McCrory

Source: Br. J. Sports Med. 2001;35;81-82

One of the most commonly held myths in sports medicine is the premise that wearing a mouthguard will prevent concussion. The origins of this contention are obscure, but an evidence based review of the scientific support for this concept has not been previously published..