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Sport-related concussions not decreased by helmet brand

ORLANDO, Fla. — Specific brand of helmet and cost was not associated with fewer concussions in adolescent athletes, according to recent study findings presented here.

“Our preliminary findings suggest that neither any specific brand of football helmet nor custom mouth guards result in fewer concussions in kids who use them,” Margaret Alison Brooks, MD, MPH, FAAP, said in a press release. “Despite what manufacturers might claim, newer and more expensive equipment may not reduce concussion risk. So is it worth the significant extra cost to families and schools?”

 

Margaret Alison Brooks

The prospective study included 1,332 football players from 36 high schools during the 2012 football season. Participants completed a preseason demographic and injury questionnaire. Incidence and severity of sport-related concussions were recorded by athletic trainers.

Researchers found that 13% of participants reported sport-related injury within the previous 12 months. Of the helmets worn by players, 52% were manufactured by Riddell, 35% by Schutt and 13% by Xenith. Thirty-nine percent were purchased from 2011 to 2012, 33% from 2009 to 2010 and 28% from 2002 to 2008. Sixty-one percent of mouth guards were generic models and 39% were custom fitted by dental professionals or specifically marketed to reduce sport-related concussions.

One hundred fifteen players sustained 116 sport-related concussions. No difference was found between type of helmet worn and rate of sport-related concussions (P=.454) or the year the helmet was purchased (P=.745). The severity of the sport-related concussion was also not different for players wearing different brand helmets (P=.883). However, sport-related concussion rate was higher among participants who wore a specialized or custom-fitted mouth guard compared with participants who wore a generic one (P<.001).

“Contrary to manufacturer claims, lower risk and severity of sport-related concussions were not associated with a specific helmet brand,” the researchers wrote. “Rates of sport-related concussion were similar for players wearing new vs. older helmets. Players using a generic mouth guard provided by school had a lower rate of sport-related concussion compared to players with more expensive specialized or custom mouth guards marketed to reduce concussion risk. Caution is advised when recommending specific preventive equipment based on manufacturer claims of reduced concussion risk.”

For more information:

Brooks MA. Abstract #22211. Presented at: AAP National Conference and Exhibition; Oct. 26-29, 2013; Orlando, Fla.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.