Do Helmets Prevent Concussion?

John D. Lloyd, Ph.D., M.Erg.S., CPE, CBIS
Board Certified Ergonomist | Certified Brain Injury Specialist
32824 Michigan Avenue, San Antonio, FL 33576
Tel: (813) 624-8986
Email: DrJohnLloyd@Tampabay.RR.com

Concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a leading health issue resulting from head impacts associated with sports, recreation and transportation. Youths are particularly susceptible to head injury, though it can also devastate a professional career. Full recovery from mTBI often takes longer than expected, without which a second, even relatively innocuous, impact could have catastrophic outcomes.

Helmet manufacturers realize that their products may not reduce the risk of concussion and even NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) standards are based on tests that ignore risks associated with concussions. Yet, clinicians recognize that brain injuries are caused by a combination of impact and impulse mechanisms, which engineers are readily able to measure in terms of linear and angular head motions.

Dr. Lloyd, a leading researcher in the field of biomechanics of head and brain injury, has conducted a biomechanical evaluation of the leading sports helmets, the results of which explain why certain types of helmets and impacts are more likely to result in significant injury.