TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona State football on Thursday announced its participation in a first-of-its-kind study with helmet maker Riddell and the Phoenix-based Translational Genomics Research Institute to advance detection and treatment of concussions.
TGen has been collecting data from a group of players since before ASU's fall camp began, combining blood-based molecular information and the monitoring of head impacts. Data is collected during practices and games from players who volunteered. Riddell's Sideline Response System collects the head-impact data in real time.
The study aims to aid doctors in better diagnosing concussions and determining when it's safe for a player to return to the field. Researchers also hope it will determine if sub-concussive hits can be identified through the molecular data.
"Involvement in this study is consistent with our long-term goals, and also increases awareness and understanding of this important topic, as well as furthers the Pac-12's Student-Athlete Health and Well-Being Initiative," ASU athletic director Steve Patterson said.
Riddell hopes the study will allow for innovation in its player protection and monitoring technology.
After the season, the information gathered will be analyzed at Barrow Neurological Institute and A.T. Still University.
