The Effectiveness of Football Helmet Add-ons and Soft-shell Headgear to Reduce Head Kinematics and Concussion

Abstract:
Despite increasing use across professional, collegiate, and high school football, the effectiveness of helmet add-ons, such as Guardian Caps, in reducing the risk of concussion and impact forces remains widely misunderstood, due to limited available evidence and varying test procedures. Of the evidence that exists, there remains disparities between laboratory testing and on-field measures, leading to confounding results. Athletic Trainers are often asked by coaches and administrators to make recommendations and implement policy regarding the use of these helmet add-ons. It is imperative that Athletic Trainers remain up to date on the evidence for these injury prevention products, along with the evidence for non-helmeted headgear, such as scrum caps, in sports such as rugby, flag football, and soccer.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the methodology of laboratory testing for head kinematics and on-field measures via instrumented helmet and mouthguard technology.
• Compare the recent findings of football helmet add-ons to reduce head kinematics and concussion rates.
• Analyze the evidence of soft-padded headgear for non-helmeted contact and collision sports to reduce head kinematics and injury risk.

Level:
Essential

Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 

Orthopedic Domain(s):
N/A

Keywords:
Protective equipment; Head kinematics; Injury prevention

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

A Statement of Credit reflecting your CEUs will be issued immediately upon the successful completion of all course components.

Course Expiration: 
All sessions of the NATA 77th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by December 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.