How hard are the hits that cause concussions? A Minneapolis startup says the answers are in its $199 mouthguards.
Prevent Biometrics has mouth guards that contain microcomputers recording the force, location and direction of head impact. They can then instantly transmit the data via a mobile app, alerting coaches, trainers or parents when an athlete is hit hard enough to cause a concussion. A red LED light on the mouth guard means a hit was above the pre-set impact threshold, and an alert on app notifies others to have the athlete assessed for a concussion.
The real-time head impact monitoring system embedded in the mouth guard makes the process for identifying athletes for concussion assessments objective and data-driven, CEO Steve Washburn said at the NFL’s 1st and Future sports tech pitch competition in February.
An estimated 3.8 million sports-related concussions happen in the U.S. every year, and more than half of those go undetected, undiagnosed and untreated, according to the company.
“Those are the most dangerous of all because they can lead to long-term health problems,” Washburn said.
Developed over six years by neurosurgeons and engineers at the Cleveland Clinic, Prevent Biometrics says it beta tested the mouth guards with the Wayzata (Minn.) High School football team for a season, and says schools and youth teams will be able to buy them within the next year.
The mouth guards are still flexible and are similar in thickness to an average mouth guard and will be geared toward football, hockey and lacrosse players.
