Clemson Research takes Aim at Concussions

Clemson University researchers and students are tackling a national health concern by advancing concussion awareness and prevention through research.  Professors in the Department of Bioengineering at Clemson are mentoring an undergraduate Creative Inquiry student research team that is investigating the scientific implications of concussions. The students designed a dummy that is equipped with brain sensors that provide concussion data. The students built a track system to strike the head of the dummy with numerous objects. Using the track system, the researchers can manipulate the impact of these objects and the sensors provide instant concussion results. The researchers plan to make their findings available to athletes, coaches and parents at a time when concern about concussions is high.  More than 29,000 concussions were reported in all NCAA sports from 2004 to 2009, with 16,277 in football, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program.