Football helmet covers do not reduce concussions for high school players

A study of 2,610 Wisconsin high school football players found that wearing soft-shell helmet covers, marketed as Guardian Cap helmet devices, during practice had no effect on the rates of sports-related concussions.

Football helmet covers do not reduce concussions for high school players

• Dr. Erin Hammer, the study’s lead author and assistant professor of orthopedics and rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, looked at more than 2,600 Wisconsin high school football players in this research.
• Padded helmet covers did not reduce player concussions in high school football practices.
• Researchers recommend data-backed interventions like safety training for coaches, extra jaw padding in helmets, employing athletic trainers and limiting contact in practices.
• Results cannot be generalized to college and pro players due to differences in helmet covers.