In this IFS segment we use the RPSH to review the perceived influence of the VICIS Zero1 football helmet on completion of critical care tasks and safe handling maneuvers.
That is true, but as indicated in the video, we commented on weight based on other comparably outfitted helmets, meaning other pro helmets with similar face masks.
We received a youth version of the VICIS just recently and it is significantly lighter. The helmet shell of the VICIS does appear to have greater flexibility, but how that relates to impact absorption and protection is beyond the scope of our RPSH program. You can look to the VT STAR rating and NFL Helmet Study for more information relating to those questions.
As a trauma specialist and a son starting freshman football next year as a QB the data regarding c spine stabilization when removing the helmet is nearly irrelevant. My inquisition is what “data” do you have regarding this helmet in reducing mTBI, as the speed flex is showing a 44% reduction in mTBI. It seems your data is relocating the helmet to a device that can be safely removed during an ARREST situation which is very minimal during most football injury. If we’re to spend $1500 for a helmet for our kids to reduce mTBI vs microscopic DAI we need overwhelming data supporting this product.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Until recently I have thought that advances in football helmet technology would have little effect on reducing concussions because, by design, helmets have traditionally functioned to reduce the incidence of skull fracture by dissipating impact forces while providing little or no effect on reducing shear forces thought to be the primary culprit in most mTBI resulting in sport. However, recent data suggests that some modern football helmet designs may hold more promise than I thought. Earlier this year the NFL released a study that identified helmets that performed better than others. You can see this report at www.nflpa.com/news/2018-helmet-lab-testing-performance-results. You will note that the VICIS helmet is listed at the top of the list, but I would ask you to look a little deeper and you will find that although the raw numbers places the VICIC at the top of the list, there is no statistical difference between any of the the helmets within the top performing group. You may also find another report released just this week that identifies 10 helmets that the NFL/NFPA have banned. This report references the prior findings and identifies said helmets. It can be found at www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-nflpa-announce-ban-of-10-helmet-models-after-laboratory-study/. While the data is far from overwhelming it is certainly improving as we learn more by trying to understand what we don't know!
Michael Cendoma Michael thank you for the response I will definitely check the data you provided through the links. ANY effort in reducing adverse events in sports is to be rewarded IMHO.
