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Cited by 210Traumatic Brain Injury ResearchAutomotive and Human Injury BiomechanicsSports injuries and prevention

Head-Impact–Measurement Devices: A Systematic Review

Open access
O'Connor, Kathryn L., Rowson, Steven, Duma, Stefan M., Broglio, Steven P.·2017·Journal of Athletic Training
DOI 10.4085/1062-6050.52.2.05PMC PMC5384819
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Abstract

Context: With an estimated 3.8 million sport- and recreation-related concussions occurring annually, targeted prevention and diagnostic methods are needed. Biomechanical analysis of head impacts may provide quantitative information that can inform both prevention and diagnostic strategies. Objective: To assess available head-impact devices and their clinical utility. Data Sources: We performed a systematic search of the electronic database PubMed for peer-reviewed publications, using the following phrases: accelerometer and concussion, head impact telemetry, head impacts and concussion and sensor, head impacts and sensor, impact sensor and concussion, linear acceleration and concussion, rotational acceleration and concussion, and xpatch concussion. In addition to the literature review, a Google search for head impact monitor and concussion monitor yielded 15 more devices. Study Selection: Included studies were performed in vivo, used commercially available devices, and focused on sport-related concussion. Data Extraction: One author reviewed the title and abstract of each study for inclusion and exclusion criteria and then reviewed each full-text article to confirm inclusion criteria. Controversial articles were reviewed by all authors to reach consensus. Data Synthesis: In total, 61 peer-reviewed articles involving 4 head-impact devices were included. Participants in boxing, football, ice hockey, soccer, or snow sports ranged in age from 6 to 24 years; 18% (n = 11) of the studies included female athletes. The Head Impact Telemetry System was the most widely used device (n = 53). Fourteen additional commercially available devices were presented. Conclusions: Measurements collected by impact monitors provided real-time data to estimate player exposure but did not have the requisite sensitivity to concussion. Proper interpretation of previously reported head-impact kinematics across age, sport, and position may inform future research and enable staff clinicians working on the sidelines to monitor athletes. However, head-impact–monitoring systems have limited clinical utility due to error rates, designs, and low specificity in predicting concussive injury.

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  • Additional benefits of wearable sensors in the field setting include their applicability in environments where rapid medical care is needed and often not readily available, for example, at the scene of accidents, in military settings, athletics and in resource-constrained environments.

    “Additional benefits of wearable sensors in the field setting include their applicability in environments where rapid medical care is needed and often not readily available, for example, at the scene of accidents, in military settings, athletics and in resource-constrained environments (Figure 2) [36,138-140].”

    From Wearables and the Medical Revolution (2018) · cites this paper as [36]

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  1. [1]1. Wallerson R. . Youth participation weakens in basketball, football, baseball, soccer: fewer children play team sports. Wall Street Journal. http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303519404579350892629229918. Updated January 31, 2014. Accessed December 12, 2016. [Google Scholar]
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Authors
O'Connor, K. L., Rowson, S., Duma, S. M., & Broglio, S. P.
Affiliations
  • NeuroTrauma Research Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor;
  • Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering & Sciences (US)
  • University of Michigan (US)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Athletic Training
Publisher
National Athletic Trainers' Association
Published
2017-03-01
Volume
52
Issue
3
Pages
206-227
ISSN
1062-6050 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.4085/1062-6050.52.2.05
PMC
PMC5384819
OpenAlex
W2605194641
Cited by
210
References
121
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 29 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 31 · 2021: 36 · 2020: 29 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 7
FWCI
2.32
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Athletic Training (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Traumatic Brain Injury Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Automotive and Human Injury Biomechanics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports injuries and prevention
Keywords
head impact monitoring, sports-related concussion, impact sensors, accelerometer, concussion diagnosis, concussion prevention, angular acceleration, linear acceleration, athlete exposure
MeSH terms
Acceleration, Adolescent, Adult, Athletic Injuries, Biomechanical Phenomena, Boxing, Brain Concussion, Child, Female, Football, Head, Head Protective Devices, Hockey, Humans, Male, Soccer, Sports Medicine, Telemetry, Young Adult, Athletes

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