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Head-Impact-Measurement Devices: A Systematic Review.

Kathryn L O'Connor¹, Steven Rowson², Stefan M Duma²

¹NeuroTrauma Research Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Journal of Athletic Training

|April 8, 2017

Summary

Head impact monitors offer real-time player data but lack sensitivity for concussion diagnosis. Further research on head-impact kinematics is needed for sideline monitoring and improved clinical utility.

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Area of Science:

Sports Medicine
Biomechanics
Neurology

Background:

Millions of sport-related concussions occur annually, necessitating improved prevention and diagnostic tools.
Biomechanical analysis of head impacts offers quantitative data for developing these strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically evaluate existing head-impact monitoring devices.
To assess the clinical utility of these devices in diagnosing sport-related concussions.

Main Methods:

Systematic literature search of PubMed using keywords related to head impacts and concussion sensors.
Supplemented with Google searches to identify commercially available head impact monitors.
Included studies focused on in vivo, sport-related concussions using commercial devices.

Keywords:

accelerometer biomechanics concussion

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Main Results:

61 peer-reviewed articles involving 4 head-impact devices were analyzed.
The Head Impact Telemetry System was the most frequently studied device.
14 additional commercial devices were identified.

Conclusions:

Impact monitors provide player exposure data but lack the sensitivity to accurately diagnose concussions.
Limited clinical utility is attributed to error rates, device design, and low specificity.
Interpreting head-impact kinematics is crucial for future research and sideline monitoring.