News
New Material Lowers Chance of Brain Injuries in Sports
New technology being used in Pittsburgh may finally offer a way to stem the dramatic rise in head injuries. The thin, lightweight material is called Unequal CRT or Concussion Reduction Technology, and it can be easily inserted into a helmet.
Rob Vito, the CEO of Unequal, told reporter for CBS Pittsburgh Sarah Arbogast they use military-grade, bullet-resistant material which has been used in battlefields across the globe.
Unequal is using the material in padding for athletes of all ages, including professional players. James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers refuses to play a game without it.
Harrison said, “You normally have some type of aches and pains, headaches after the game; I had no headaches. I haven’t had any issues since I started wearing it.”
The pros aren’t the only ones raving about the material. 15-year-old lacrosse player Barrett Naugle describes it as “amazing.” “I don’t feel anything when I get hit. I use it in my helmet and my chest protector.”
According to recent tests on CRT, the material lessens the risk of injuries associated with helmet impacts by 50 percent.
Hopefully the future tests on the material support the newest information, and we have found a way to finally protect our athletes against TBI.
