Study Confirms Unequal® CRT® (Concussion Reduction Technology(TM)) For Helmets Decreases The Severity Index (SI) Caused By Impacts As Much As 50%

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa., Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Athletic trainers, parents and medical professionals have long relied on protocols of detection and treatment to help stave off the effects of sports-related head injuries, yet many recognize the limitations of a reactive approach to the inherent dangers of contact sports. In fact, some school boards have recently considered eliminating high school football programs altogether. Today, leading neurosurgeons and pro-sports figures convened to announce important test results for a proactive approach that has promising implications for the future of football and other sports that pose risk of head injury.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58535-unequal-technologies-helmet-study-concussion-reduction-by-unequal

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121016/MM93140)

Tests conducted at a leading independent, accredited laboratory determined that Unequal CRT, supplemental helmet padding designed and manufactured by UNEQUAL Technologies, dampens and disperses energy associated with blunt force trauma enough to register significant drops in the Severity Index, a measurement of the hazard, or risk of injury, associated with helmet impacts. The study compared new, unused helmets, half fitted with supplemental CRT padding and half without. Standard test protocol was followed according to National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) criterion. With CRT installed, there was:

• As much as a 53 percent reduction in the Severity Index (SI) for a football helmet.
• As much as a 42 percent reduction in the SI for a hockey helmet.
• As much as a 55 percent reduction in the SI for a baseball helmet.

On hand to discuss the results today were Dr. Joseph Maroon, a Pittsburgh-based neurosurgeon and professional football team physician, and Dr. Julian Bailes, Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery of the NorthShore Neurological Institute and member of the NFLPA concussion committee.

"I've recommended CRT to both collegiate and professional athletes," said Dr. Maroon. "Their response in using the product has been enthusiastic as they have reported reductions in post-game headaches and other related symptoms. I would recommend CRT to any athlete in a contact sport who is looking to reduce the possibility of head injury." 

Dr. Bailes for his part is encouraged about CRT implications for youth athletes. 

"We've been looking for something for decades and this just might be it," said Bailes. "After seeing the scientific data and witnessing the experience of many athletes using CRT from high school to the pros, I'm encouraged and would recommend CRT to high-risk athletes as well as those who want to be proactive about their head protection."

James Harrison and Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, both of whom have suffered concussions in their careers, are users of and advocates for CRT. James Harrison in particular was outspoken about CRT's effect. 

"The difference is like night and day. I won't play without it," Harrison said.  

Jennifer Branin, a mother and activist for youth athlete protection in Irvine, CA, has championed CRT since her high school linebacker son suffered a concussion last year.  

"Rules, guidelines for helmet-to-helmet hitting, pre-hit baselines and sideline tests after tough hits are all well and good, but something that is available now that is producing benefits my son noticed immediately and continues to see, that's most important to me," Branin said.

"We have the opportunity to help reduce the possibility of head injuries right now at all levels of athletic competition – from professionals making a living on the gridiron to kids suiting up for their first Pop Warner game," said Unequal CEO Rob Vito. "Alarmingly, the helmet test results show that some of the control helmets failed simple drop tests for Severity Index; but when lined with CRT, those same helmets passed with a much lower SI. Tackle technique training may be helpful over a period of time, but if you're an athlete serious about your protection — or better yet the parent, coach or trainer of one — wouldn't you want to use something today to help reduce the possibility of head injury?"

Unequal offers CRT in custom, die-cut kits for specific helmet models, and also universal kits that trainers, athletes, or parents can simply cut, peel, and stick to existing padding inside any helmet in a matter of minutes. Unequal honors any helmet warranty to its full extent when CRT is in place.

To view the footage from today's press conference, or to learn more about Concussion Reduction Technology™ or UNEQUAL Technologies, visit unequal.com/live.

About UNEQUAL Technologies


With a mission to protect people in sports, work, life and the military UNEQUAL Technologies is the leading provider of supplemental protection technology. A fusion of military-grade, battle-tested composites engineered for maximum protection, Unequal produces superior shock-blocking properties that may help dramatically reduce impact shock and blunt force trauma generated by sports and military encounters. Professionals in the NFL, NHL and MLB, as well as college and youth athletes in football, baseball, lacrosse, extreme sports, contact sports and other activities, wear Unequal's protective head and body gear. With more than 67 international and U.S. patents and patents pending, Unequal has been tested by independent certified laboratories, OEM facilities and top universities. Unequal is the proud recipient of the DuPont™ Kevlar® Innovation Award and is one of Forbes' 100 Most Promising Companies. For more information, visit www.unequal.com or www.concussions.com.

SOURCE Unequal Technologies

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