SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- On April 15, HBO "Real Sports" showcased the growing concern and controversy over the need for head protection in soccer. The segment on the program titled "Heads Up" was based on interviews and research regarding concussions resulting from incidental contact and heading the ball. Soccer has become the largest and fastest growing sport in the United States and, according to the show, thousands of concussions occur ever year in soccer and most go undetected. As indicated by Mary Carillo from HBO Real Sports, concussions in soccer are "stealth injuries."
Dr. Echemendia, head of the concussion program at Penn State University, indicated during the Real Sports segment that, "The biggest problem is lack of awareness." He went on to say that, "Recognizing this injury can be severe, and how we go about minimizing the effects on players, soccer like many sports right now are struggling with that issue, and with time, we are going to get the answers."
Dr. Echemendia's research demonstrates the need for head protection, noting that 50% of soccer players entering college have already sustained at least one concussion. Dr. Echemendia stated that, "most of these concussions come from head-to-foot contact, head-to-head contact, head-to-ground contact, head-to-elbow contact and occasionally head to goalpost." Other doctors however, including Dr. Dave Janda, Director of the Institute for Preventative Sports Medicine, note that, "heading the ball is the real culprit." Soccer is the only sport where using the head to strike an object is an integral part of the game.
This confusion and lack of awareness about concussions in soccer can lead to even more serious injuries if a second concussion is incurred, concluded the HBO Real Sports segment. According to HBO, currently FIFA, US Soccer and European groups are testing why and how these concussions occur. However, while these multi-year studies are conducted, players continue to suffer from concussions.
In response to these injuries a product has been developed which provides a significant degree of protection without affecting play -- the Full90 Performance Headguard developed by San Diego-based Full90 Sports. The Full90 Performance Headguard may be the only product on the market that reduces typical soccer impacts to the head by as much as 50% without changing the game.
Full90 Performance Headguards are the two year odyssey of one very concerned, active and dedicated parent wanting to protect children from concussions in soccer, Jeff Skeen, CEO of Full90 Sports. "After a soccer ending hit to my daughter's head in a game, I was determined to find a solution," stated Mr. Skeen. "I just knew there was a way to design a product that helps to protect a player, but does not affect the game."
According to research performed by two independent laboratories, Full90 Performance Headguards reduce impacts typical in soccer by as much as 50%. "Full90 slows the movement of the head in a controlled fashion, reducing the amount of movement by the brain, thus decreasing the probability of damage," stated Dennis Piper, VP of Research and Development. "As with all other head protection devices (motorcycle and bike helmets etc.) reducing the force of the impacts is vital to reducing the risk and severity of injury."
"In my personal experience of looking after professional and university level soccer players for many years, my belief is that the majority of head impacts common in soccer likely occur from contact at the forehead and temple areas with a bit less frequency at the base of the head," explained Dr. Scott Delaney of McGill University. Dennis Piper goes on to say, "understanding the placement and force in typical soccer head impacts has been instrumental in developing a product which offers significant protection without altering the game."
Dr. Delaney concludes in a leading sports medicine journal, Clinic Journal of Sport Medicine, "If these players could wear some sort of headgear that affords them cerebral protection without altering the nature and flow of the game, wouldn't the athletes and the sport itself stand to benefit?"
Full90 Performance Headguards have already been used at the highest level with top players like Joy Fawcett behind the product. "As a player and a mother, I am 100% behind the idea of reducing the risk of a head injury in soccer while not compromising the game. Every year soccer players grow faster and stronger and games become more competitive. And while the level of play continues to rise, so does the number of injuries. The idea of head protection in soccer just makes sense," explained San Diego Spirit and US National Team player Joy Fawcett regarding her commitment to Full90.
HBO has highlighted a very important issue in soccer today. Prevention of head injuries begins with awareness, followed by action. The use of head protection like Full90 Performance Headguards offers an option for concerned, players, coaches and parents alike.
About Full90 Sports, Inc.
Full90 Sports, Inc., based in San Diego, CA, is a global soccer company leading the world in state-of-the-art soccer products designed to extend the enjoyment of soccer for players of all ages. Full90 Sports, Inc. is the inventor of the new Full90 Performance Headguard(tm) which utilizes Tru-Play Design(tm) (TPD)(tm). Full90 Performance Headguards are patented and are the only Headguard that offers protection while NOT sacrificing how soccer is played or one's ability to "feel" the game. More information on Full90 Sports, Inc. can be found at www.full90.com or call 877-4FULL90