PAGE TITLE
Overview
PAGE SUMMARY
Researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics at Drexel University have developed a cervical spine protection device (CSPD) for reducing neck injuries in high impact sports. There is a demonstrated need for better protection of the cervical spine to prevent spinal cord injury, compression injury in chin down position, and cervical cord neurapraxia. American football has the highest number of catastrophic cervical spine injuries of all sports, but the device could be equally effective in other spots activities involving high impact forces and rapid accelerations such as hockey, rugby, motocross, and racecar driving.
The CSPD allows freedom of movement of the neck within safe, injury-free, physiological range of motion without compromising athletic performance. It protects the neck against potential injuries by preventing it from moving outside the safe physiological range. These restraining capabilities were tested on human volunteers in a controlled laboratory environment; the studies demonstrated improved endurance and reduced fatigue of the neck muscles. The CSPD uses four customizable hyper-elastic bands that become stiffer as the neck moves into extremes of motion where it is prone to injury. These bands are part of an adjustable vest/hood system, making it a practical neck protective solution with streamlined appearance, as it is virtually unnoticeable worn underneath normal protective gear.
APPLICATIONS
TITLE: Applications
Contact sports, including football, hockey, lacrosse, and rugby
Racecar driving
Motocross/BMX
ADVANTAGES
TITLE:Advantages
Reduce risk of head and neck injury in sports activities involving high impact and acceleration
Restrain head and neck motion in three anatomical planes (sagittal, frontal, and transverse) without interfering with functional performance
Prevent movement beyond natural range of motion
Hooded vest with adjustable straps for ease of use and adaptable fit to each user
IP STATUS
Intellectual Property and Development Status
Issued US patent 8,341,770
https://patents.google.com/patent/US8341770B2/en?oq=8%2c341%2c770
Issued US patent 8,528,113
https://patents.google.com/patent/US8528113B2/en?oq=8%2c528%2c113
Issued US patent 8,683,612
https://patents.google.com/patent/US8683612B2/en?oq=8%2c683%2c612
Issued US patent 8,990,962
https://patents.google.com/patent/US8990962B2/en?oq=8%2c990%2c962
Issued US patent 9,492,306
https://patents.google.com/patent/US9492306B2/en?oq=9%2c492%2c306
PUBLICATIONS
References
Caraveggi P. et al. A novel cervical spine protection device for reducing neck injuries in contact sports: design concepts and preliminary in vivo testing. Sports Biomechanics, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2018.1481222
FIGURES
Contact Information
Robert Mcgrath
Sr. Associate Vice Provost
rbm26@drexel.edu