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Helmet fit critical to concussion prevention

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Proper helmet fit is a critical and easily modified risk factor for severe concussion in football players, according to researchers in Philadelphia.

The findings were presented by study author Joseph Torg, MD, at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Specialty Day, in San Francisco.

“Athletes wearing properly fitted helmets, as reported by team certified athletic trainers, were 82% less likely to experience loss of consciousness (LOC) with a concussion,” Torg stated in an AOSSM press release. “Helmet age and condition were not significant predictors of amnesia or LOC.”

Torg and his team examined 1,398 concussion reports from the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System, identifying 44 cases of LOC and 267 cases of amnesia, according to the release. Using those two symptoms as hard endpoints for concussion severity, the researchers then used odds ratios to determine how helmet fit, inner helmet padding systems and helmet condition (new vs. reconditioned) impacted LOC risk.

According to the study abstract, athletes wearing properly fitted helmets were 80% less likely to experience LOC. The researchers also found LOC risk was increased by predominantly air-filled bladder lined helmets. Athlete age and helmet condition were not found to be predictors of LOC. Predominantly foam-lined helmets, however, were found to be a significant risk factor for amnesia.

“As we look at preventing concussions and minimizing risk, it is important to realize that it is the responsibility of the athletic director and head football coach to have policies that insure that each player has a properly fitted helmet and that a responsible adult supervises and oversees proper helmet air bladder inflation on a weekly basis,” Torg stated in the release.

Reference:

• Torg JS, Hirsch H, Fowler JR, et al. Helmet characteristics as profile elements identifying susceptibility to mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) in tackle football. Paper #17. Presented at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Specialty Day. Feb. 11, 2012. San Francisco.
• Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.