Concussions are the issue of the times for football players; and in an effort to improve player protection, Riddell and the Translational Genomics Research Institute are teaming up with the Arizona State University Sun Devil football program for a second year in genetic research designed to advance research in detection and treatment.
“Player protection has become an essential part of football; and this cutting-edge partnership sets ASU apart from not only the rest of the conference, but every collegiate football program in the nation. We are not only looking out for our students-athletes while they are enrolled at ASU, but for the rest of their lives,” ASU’s Head Coach, Todd Graham, told Business Wire.
Blood-based molecular information from Sun Devil athletes will be examined throughout a typical season of head impact, such as in games and practice, in order to identify whether or not sub-concussive hits are identifiable. The data will be collected by TGen and representatives from the Sun Devil’s medical team.
The Sideline Response System by Riddell will be used to obtain real time head impact information from the athletes. The system is able to record critical data on the types of head impacts that occur throughout the season; and provides insight about the frequency and harshness a player receives. The head impact data and genetic information combined provide information with the intent to help doctors diagnose and determine when a player might recover from a concussion.
The data collected will also be implemented in new football helmets developed by Riddell in a committed effort to keep athletes safe when they play the game.