Concussion cases spark headband sales
11/12/2007
A recent report in Time magazine highlighted a big jump in the number of football (soccer) players reporting concussion after a collision on the field of play.
One interesting point to arise from the article was that a huge proportion of concussion sufferers were women and girls. There was speculation that male footballers might be more reluctant to complain about the symptoms—a serious mistake—but the magazine went on to point out that the male neck is wider and stronger and, therefore, better able to withstand impact.
Whatever the reason, a recent study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that 40% more girls than boys had suffered concussion during a high-school soccer match in the US.
Male and female soccer players are now investing heavily in protective headbands, such as those on offer from San Diego, California-based Full90 Sports.
Dr Liz Mallon, business development manager for smart impact-protection textiles at Dow Corning, told sportstextiles.com that her company’s work in this area so far has not expanded into football, but that it’s an area she’s very interested in.
“We’ve talked to a lot of professional players who don’t even like wearing shinguards,” she said. “They feel bulky and uncomfortable, and players only wear them because they have to. In training, when they’re probably more at risk from injury than in a match, many choose not to wear protection.”
She explained that developments in the technology mean textile-based protective equipment can mould better to the body than every before and feel light and comfortable. She saw every reason why this should apply to protective headgear for athletes.
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