Science Friday Can Better Equipment Eliminate Concussions In Sports?
Sep 29, 2025
Dr. Michael Collins, Clinical and Executive Director of the Sports Medicine Concussion Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and helmet specialist Dr. Barry Miller discuss groundbreaking insights into concussions. They explain the cellular effects of concussions and identify risk factors for prolonged recovery. The duo highlights modern helmet technology advancements but stress that helmets can't fully prevent concussions. They also cover the shift from resting to active rehabilitation for treatment and address ongoing uncertainties surrounding CTE prevention.
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Cellular Mechanics Of Concussion
- Concussion is caused by the brain moving inside the skull, stretching neuron membranes and disrupting cellular chemistry.
- This creates an energy supply-demand mismatch that affects brain systems but usually doesn't kill neurons if managed properly.
Individual Risk Varies Widely
- Individual risk for concussion and recovery varies by prior conditions like motion sensitivity, migraine, and anxiety.
- Biological and demographic factors (e.g., female sex) change vulnerability and recovery timelines.
How Helmets Are Tested In The Lab
- The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab recreates real-world impacts using drop towers and pendulum impactors to test helmets.
- For football they use a pendulum arm with a mushroom-shaped face to hit helmeted head forms at multiple locations and energies.
