Is this what Paul Anderson and I have been talking about recently? The title of the video is “Product Claims to Prevent Concussions”. I know it is the media making the story, but it is the company that posted and titled the video. I would like all of you to comment on this;
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The Concussion Blog 
Good god!!! Riddell should stop this now and cancel any warranty. Are they not in enough trouble with there own cooked research?
A chiropractor is now an engineer. Glue on some plastic strips and miraculously we have a 35% reduction in micro-trauma. What is micro trauma? Who did the research? Who gives a damn about drop tests and linear impacts? Great for claims for skull fracture and little else. Ah! no data on rotational forces (cause of so many concussions). What happens when two helmets with these strips lock up? More torsion? What is the change in co-eff of friction or the material?
Looks like another scam with some dope looking to make some bank by exposing children to more injury.
The media needs to stop promoting magic bullets from people who don’t do serious scientific work.
Maybe Anderson can mount a case against irresponsible news coverage.
To joe bloggs OBVIOSLY you have not read the website. Years of research resiolved ALL of your concerns! To bring you up to speed the was years of research. The material is not “some plastic strips”. The material was formulated by a Phd in chemistry for MEDICAL use. I would LOVE to see YOUR research that concussions are Primarily Rotational. That thought is a THEORY. This has nothing to do with opinions like yours! If you can,read what the PLAYERS,PARENTS and OTHER DOCs say about it. As far as a Chiropractor inventing this Edison invented electricity and he wasn’t an electrician,so are you shutting off your electricity? Thanks for your subjective,unqualified comments which are ALL REFUTED on are website. It’s a shame you think I would put a
To Joe blogs. It is obvious that you have not gone to our website and read the OBJECTIVE research. All of your concerns have been refuted in not only our objective testing but also field testing of 110 players. As far as a “plastic strip”it is obvious that you did not know that the material was invented by PhD in chemistry! As far as a chiropractor being an engineer, I am not. I did not engineer the strips. Again if you had the ability to read you would go on the website and know the facts before you give your opinions without knowing the truth. Edison invented electricity and he wasn’t an electrician’s are you going to shut your electricity off? If you would think for one moment that I would invent a device just to make money you are a disturbed person! It is obvious that you are not a medical professional or doctor. If you were you would’ve gone on the website and read it before you spewed out your opinions. I would also like to see the objective testing that shows rotational is the mechanism of injury for concussions. This is a theory and only a theory! Finally READ what the players,parents and Docs.
Sorry you upset you didn’t think of it!
Hey joe. The stuff is extremely hard to get off. Helmets are in second years use. Appears no problems. That is why Riddell for a 20.00 up charge gives you a brand new shell. It’s a great deal for school and player. Thanks for the constructive concern. Always appreciate it!
Doc
There’s information at the product website regarding the friction coefficient analysis (linking for informational purposes – not supporting or defending product and/or research):
“Linear Impact test results regarding the coefficient of friction have been interpreted by YSU Physicist and Professor, Dr. William G. Sturrus, and conclusively show NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE in the friction coefficient between standard helmets and those fitted with Shockstrip helmet pads.”
http://shockstrip.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=124
Concerned Mom,
The Dr. Sturrus was looking at linear impact. I would prefer to see an analysis conducted modeling more real world conditions. Most strikes are oblique not direct linear impacts. I would like to know how the adhesive and shock stick performs in all weather conditions.
These guys are all very clever but let’s do real testing under real conditions.
Thanks for the feedback (I know I’m not a scientist/expert, that’s why it’s great you comment here).
I appreciate TCB for asking for opinions about SS. It may not be a “cure all” but it is a step in the right direction,compared to ongoing conteplation of current concussion
theories,which are not solving anything. Please go to the website and review the testing,proprietary material and most of all what the players,parents and professionals say.
Also forward your comments to our email, shockstrip@zoominternet.net please. This is the only way we can improve Shockstrip!
Thanks Doc
Watched some of the player testimonies at the website. One was by a high risk player who had already had 3 concussions. I say read their claims, their supporting research, and watch their testimonies, and then decide for yourself if some of the players using them might feel protected from head trauma in helmet to helmet contact.
Concerned Mom,
Please review the adhesive section on page 18 for 4205 Loctite adhesive applied to Polycarbonate and ABS plastic. The report states it does degrade and the material can damage the shell.
Well, if the shell were to get damaged enough, is there any chance it wouldn’t do one of the main things it’s intended to do – prevent skull fractures? Is potential damage to the shell one of the reasons the company notes that Riddell will give them a new shell for extra $ when it’s reconditioned?
No. Riddell is giving a new shell because the adhesive is very hard to get off if Riddell felt there was ANY ISSUES they would not be on board.
NO it DOES NOT degrade the helmet! Please review independent testing from Matco.
Mr. Novicky page 18 of the Matco report states the Loctite formulation does cause degradation to ABS and PC. Is MATCO misstating its findings.
No joe that letter on page 18 was a statement by Riddell that prompted us to do the testing. Read Conclussion. Loctite 4205 is Compatible.
Stand Corrected:
From the Matco Report:
Conclusions
Based on the visual, cross sectional microscopy, FTIR analysis, flexural and hardness examinations of the polycarbonate and ABS plastic parts supplied by our client Loctite 4205 adhesive appears to cause no premature degradation, cracking or compatibly issues with the polycarbonate or ABS plastic parts tested.
Recommendations
It is recommended to perform simulated and or actual use testing of the polycarbonate and or ABS plastic parts and adhesive to confirm the quality and performance as well as the functionally of the all components used.
Were the recommendations acted upon and there results.
I remain concerned that figures on Page 14 show some potential issues.
I would also like to know how the Loctite adhesive has performed in the application after a season.
I guess I go to layman science here. How in the “blank” is anything that is attached to the outside of a helmet that is on the outside of the skull going to stop the brain (which is inside the skull in fluid) going to stop the brain from moving around inside the skull and smacking into the other side of the skull. Just look at the video of the “test dummies” the hit given snaps the head back on the test dummy just imagine what that is doing to a brain inside a real teenager.
As far as I am concerned nothing attached to the outside of the body is going to prevent concussions and if any parents of the football players at my school ask me about these I will have no problem giving the same comment I just did here.
Might help with linear forces but how to the majority of concussion happen….not by linear forces.
The key words I see used now in these so called safety products are “reduce impact to the head.” Sadly this phrase is used to imply a safety benefit of reducing concussions that does not exist. It seems as we expose one misleading phrase to have marketers script another one.
I am often approached by well-meaning parents who “invent” products thinking they can help kids – I think they are sincere and try to do the currently impossible task.
However, when a corporation makes these claims – has false data on their website – blames the media of making up of data from the product’s media kit – blames the false data on the “independent sales representive” – this makes me very cranky… My son walking on a lax field with a Concussion Reducing $250 helmet in 2008, after only a month healed from a concussion – I thought he was safe – and he lasted 20 minutes until he got another concussion – I don’t want another parent to be sold false hope.
I hope you are not stating that Shockstrips data is false our you? Before you agree that is slander. Sorry you don’t believe what our players say. Sad so sad.
Not sure what you do but with that attitude you better talk to an attorney. If you knowingly do not use a safety device,such as Shockstrip, and an injury occurs you can be legally liable. It’s as simple as a bumper on a car. Please tell me why a woodpecker does not get concussions! I know why do you? How can you refute what the players say? I hope you are not In healthcare! Don’t be mad you didn’t invent it!
Re: woodpeckers… There is an internal mechanism with part of their lower beak, it has little to do with something on the outside of the head. There is also speculation there is something physiologically that happens that help mitigate the repetitive blows… FWIW…
Ha, “if you knowingly do not use a safety device, such as Shockstrip, and an injury occurs you can be legally liable.” Are you kidding me? DISMISSED. YOU ARE THE ONE THAT “BETTER TALK TO AN ATTORNEY.” CLOCK IS TICKING… before a kid, tragically, gets injured wearing your product and then a lawsuit bankrupts your company…
Brilliant!! Attach traction strips to the outside of the helmet so that non-pathologic glancing blows now become pathologic because the helmet grips to equipment or another helmet. Not only does this not protect the brain inside the skull but could increase the incidence of concussion due to increased rotation forces when the helmet locks on to something and also an increase in cervical injuries. If I was Riddel I would get as far away from this product as I could.
Sorry you are so wrong! You don’t even know a thing about the material. I’m sorry you cant read! Don’t be mad you didn’t invent it!
To Lawyer up. If you take the time to review all the lab material you will realize all it is a proprietary formula that is capable of absorption deflection and sound deadening. Engineers have reviewed every probable concern. Our liability insurance on this product is probably less than your legal mp insurance. Thanks for your comment.
Doc
Here is my take on this:
1. Why are there no studies at all published on this prodcut data from respected medical journals eg. the American College of Sports Medicine, Neurology, Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, American Journal of Sports Medicine?
My Answer:
IT IS BECAUSE IF THEY DID THIS THE RESPONSIBLE WAY and had these SHOCK STRIPS evaluated in a WELL-DESIGNED AND SPORTS PROSPECTIVE ANALYTICAL STUDIES OF SUFFICIENT POWER TO DETERMINE THE TRUE RISK OF CONCUSSION ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SPECIFIC PRODUCT done by independent researchers (WITH NO MONETARY BIASIS) who do research on conussions only then could you get an independent evaluation to really verify the efficacy of this product.
Remember the recent FTC ruling with the Brain Pad Mouthguard and there statements regarding that their product preventing concusions. If the company says it on product it has done testing and it can prevent concussion (the number one issue in sports today bar none), I being a concerned parent wanting to try to protect my child, I would probaly be purchasing that Brain Pad along with these shockstrips tomorrow because I would believe that these companies are being honest with the public. But maybe they are not. Maybe it is just about the money.
On there website they say the following “NFHS NOW permits the use of Shockstrip as legal equipment”
Does the NFHS have any responsible board members who actually understand this subject matter (eg the Sports Legacy Institute in Boston, one of the foremost respected authorities on Sports Concussions). I wonder if SLI would agree with what the NFHS is sanctioning. Is the NFHS being bullied with fear tactics with these unsubstantiated studies. Can there board members be that irresponsible to not want to consult independent concussion researchers before sanctioning this product. Who are the member from the NFHS responsible for allowing this to be done? They need to come out of there board room today and explain themslves.
If the FTC looked into this with the information so far provided, I believe it is a lawsuit pending for this company making statements such as they are claiming.
This company has one purpose and that is to sell and make profit because if they proceed the right way, they will find out that there is no way “currently” with what is in the literature that to prevent concusions via use of a helmut and/or adding these strips to the outside of the helmut that it has been shown that you can alter the combination of linear and rotational acceleration responsible for concussion to prevent concussions.
Anyways this is just my take on the matter.
Thanks for the listen
Wow you just speak without listening. ALL testing is independent and SHOCKSTRIP HAS been SELECTED for a controlled study by the LEADING PEDIATRIC Hospital in the country! And yes the NFHS has 19 count them 19 Docs on their committee! The JEALOUSY is SICKENING! ALL negative comments ARE REFUTED! I know what you guys do for a living. Please go clean a whirlpool. Lol
Go away. You do realize that this blog was created by an athletic trainer, right? And has a couple of bloggers who are athletic trainers? And that athletic trainers really are the gatekeepers for a lot of protective equipment choices?
False sense of security! False sense of security! False sense of security!
Wrong again. What is your credentials? Don’t care what the players say do you? Nope concerned about your ego! Lol
Slander? Call an attorney? I do not believe this type of response. Too defensive to be believable.
You make it sound like our testing is false or falsified. That is not a true statement at all.
Wow. Dr Novicky…I am surprised at your responses on this post. I appreciate your passion for your product but where is your professionalism? You can’t take any criticism without becoming overly defensive. If you act this way on a blog what happens when/if your product goes mainstream and you end up looking like a jerk on Good Morning America. Your attitude alone makes me doubt you and your product.
Thanks for your concern. If you go on our website my interview skills are just fine. I refuse to be attacked by senseless comments and have a right to defend my product. If they are professional terms such as “plastic strips” and comments such as “Chiropractor things he’s an engineer” would not be used. They fail to see THE KIDS LOVE IT! Their own opions should be respected over the players? I don’t think so. Thank you again
Doc
“The Kids” also love ice cream for dinner every night of the week. So, I guess we should respect their opinions over all the other people who know better, even though we’re not nutrionists. I humbly and professionally hope you’re not hanging your entire argument on this argument Dr. Novicky.
I don’t care what players or coaches think. I care what independent controlled studies state conducted by qualified parties state. You state, a 35% reduction in micro-TBI. What is micro-TBI?
Does your product show a reduction in concussion in real tests? Did neck injuries increase? Is there any difference in the product’s performance based on age etc.
You described your product as acting as a bumper. Do the bumpers lock up when two players hit?
If Riddell and NFHS endorse your product, great. I will let the experiments be conducted on other peoples children.
Concussion Education Movement, an informal hodgepodge of coaches-lawyer-healthcare workers-ATs-docs, isn’t here to make friends but rather to make a difference in the lives of the youth people we coach, teach, test & care for on a daily basis. We wish we could do more to end their head injures… we have an uphill battle in many ways.
I can say for myself that I will look at any invention or drug or technique to reduce the risks of concussion and keep an open mind while it is being tested by the highest standards we have at any time.
However, considering an idea is different than promoting a product; As testing is different that selling a product with promise of safety to a hopeful parent in exchange for money.
Dr. Novicky,
I have reviewed your website and wanted to ask you a question or two. I see that the independent research (just to be clear though the research was not peer-reviewed) conducted revealed a decrease in linear forces across the board on all tests using your product.
While the theory you posit on your website is very interesting, Conducting controlled laboratory experiments provides arguably very little application to real on-field applications. While I do appreciate subjective information from athletes wearing the helmet do you feel that your product might provide a false sense of security, or because of the attenuation of force or how the athlete feels when receiving and giving hits with the helmet, that athletes may lead with their head more so than if they didn’t have this product? This has been questioned by my administration and I don’t have a good answer but I’m interested in your thoughts.
Another question, and please feel free to e-mail me privately if you don’t want to answer this on the forum If research is still unclear about a force of impact floor or number of contact episodes for sub-concussive trauma and mTBI, are your only assumptions that a decease in linear forces by such a marginal amount (I’m assuming statistical significance was not achieved since they were not provided) will reduce concussions significantly or to the point that your product will become disruptive to the sport of football?
if your product is currently under IRB study parameters I’d be interested in hearing more about it. I’m currently testing other products but am always interested in new ideas.
Thanks for your time and consideration to these questions.
Never trust a “Dr.” who ends a reply in “lol.”