Facemask impacts lead to severe injuries in football study, Sept 2024

In September 2024, researchers presented findings at the International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury conference, revealing critical insights into head impacts in professional American football. The study utilized data from instrumented mouthpieces worn by NFL players between 2019 and 2022, measuring head motion and identifying the facemask as a leading cause of severe impacts. Notably, facemask impacts accounted for 59% of the most severe head impacts recorded during the study, with variations observed across different player positions. The research highlighted that nearly one third of concussions in professional football are attributed to facemask impacts, a concerning statistic given that the design of facemasks has remained largely unchanged over the past decade. The study's findings suggest that enhancing facemask designs could significantly mitigate injury risks for players, particularly in high-contact positions such as linemen, who experienced a higher frequency of angular head motion impacts. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of ongoing engineering research aimed at improving helmet safety. The data collected during the study, which included over 5,000 head acceleration events, provides a foundation for developing more effective interventions to reduce both the frequency and severity of head impacts. The collaboration between Football Research, Inc., the NFL, and the NFL Players Association demonstrates a commitment to advancing player safety through scientific research. As the sport continues to evolve, these findings will play a crucial role in shaping future helmet designs and safety protocols.