In Do Helmets Prevent Concussion? biomechanics expert witness John D. Lloyd, Ph.D., M.Erg.S., CPE, CBIS, writes:
BRAINS Researchers Reveal Deficiencies in Football Helmet Design
Researchers at BRAINS, Inc. have conducted biomechanical tests revealing the deficiency of current football helmet designs in protecting players from brain injury, particularly concussion.Historically, helmet effectiveness has been measured through drop-tests, using a device approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). The result is helmets that are optimized against skull fractures, bruising, and other focal effects. “We modified the standard test device to consider rotational acceleration in addition to conventional linear impact measures” explains John Lloyd, PhD. Biomechanical researchers have long understood that angular forces can cause serious brain damage including concussion, axonal injury, and hemorrhages.