A helmet sensor developed to alert parents and coaches to potential brain injury has hit an unexpected roadblock.
According to the Globe and Mail, Shockbox has been shunned by helmet manufacturers. Rather than supporting the concussion monitoring tool, helmet makers are warning consumers that the one-ounce sensor may void the helmet’s warranty.
Concussion diagnosis during gameplay largely depends on a player self-reporting his or her symptoms. But Shockbox provides some objectivity to a concussion diagnosis. The sensor alerts coaches and parents to dangerous contact via mobile device. It gauges the severity of the hit so coaches and parents know when medical help is necessary.
Shockbox co-founder Danny Crossman believes helmet manufacturers are trying to protect themselves from concussion lawsuits. “Helmet manufacturers want to protect their own liability exposure, says Crossman. “But a lot of people just use that as a means of evasion when they could easily include the sensor in their test standard.”
Crossman says the Shockbox sensor has no effect on the performance of the helmet. They have been tested by a number of clinical research studies, including the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
What do you think?
Should the Shockbox sensor be used as a mandatory concussion management tool in contact sports?
For More Information:
- Concussion sensor gets a cool reception from sports helmet firms, The Globe and Mail
