Varieties of Sports-Related Helmets and Headgear

A helmet is a form of protective gear worn by athletes and others to protect his or her head from injury. It does this by absorbing mechanical energy and protecting against the penetration of outside objects into the skull or direct trauma to the skull by impact. The structure of a helmet is such that its shape (initially, the shape of the head) is altered by impact (like by denting at the point of impact). It thereby absorbs the force of the impact which would otherwise result in direct trauma to the skull and thereby causing a mild brain injury (MBI).

Helmets used for different purposes have different designs. For example, a bicycle helmet must be designed to protect against the blunt trauma resulting from an individual’s head striking pavement. In contrast, a helmet intended for mountain climbing is generally more substantial, as it must be designed to protect against a heavier impact, such as falling from a high distance or being struck by a falling rock. This kind of occurrence can easily cause a catastrophic injury to the head resulting in a concussion at the mild end of the spectrum, or in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with devastating consequences.

There are a range of other activities that, although not generally considered to be contact sports and therefore, not usually associated with the need for helmet. One of them is swimming. In reality, this activity can present a real danger of a mild brain injury (MBI) against which precaution must be taken. It is commonplace for a swimmer to hit his or her against the side of a pool, especially when executing an underwater turn while swimming laps or participating in a race.

A helmet does not do much good if it is not used. Therefore, there are other considerations about helmet design to ensure, or at least to increase, the odds of usage so as to protect the head from trauma. As examples, a bicycle helmet must be designed to be both aerodynamic and well-ventilated. A climbing helmet has to be strong, lightweight and relatively small so as not to get in the way of the individual wearing it. A swimming helmet should have a round top, the ability for water to flow through it and may have downward extending sidewalls and rear walls. It often also extends to the individual’s hairline.

The fit of any helmet is critical so that it serves its intended purpose of preventing head trauma. Head trauma is frequently accompanied by neurologic injury and a range of other dysfunctions that can result from it. In general, a helmet should be both comfortable and snug. It should be level on the individual’s head rather than tilted back or low on the forehead. Once on the head, it should not move in any direction, either forward and back or side to side. If the helmet is of a type that has a chin strap, it should be secure so that the helmet does not move or fall off.

A well-fitting helmet helps when it is the right variety of helmet for the activity, but they are neither designed nor intended to prevent all traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s). When injuries do happen, acute care is immediately needed. Thereafter, when the individual has become medically stabilized, he or she often requires post-acute rehabilitation at an innovative post-acute facility such as NeuLife Rehab in Mount Dora, Florida.

When an individual becomes a Client of NeuLife Rehab for innovative post-acute rehabilitation, the goal is to help him or her regain independence to the fullest extent that his or her physical and mental abilities permit. The starting point is an independent functional evaluation by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals that may include:

• Board Certified Neurologist
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Board Certified Physiatrist
• Neuropsychologist
• Psychologist

• Board Certified Psychiatrist
• Speech Language Pathologist/Cognitive Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Nurses
• Certified Rehab Counselor

The independent functional evaluation becomes the roadmap for our Client’s future travel toward independence.

The mission of NeuLife Rehab is to consistently provide the highest standard of care in the delivery of clinically relevant services to achieve successful, sustained outcomes and to exceed the expectations of all persons served and the attainment of the best possible outcome even in situations of the most complicated and challenging diagnoses.

Proper and timely post-acute rehabilitation that may determine the difference between disability and independence is what NeuLife refers to as the “platinum post-acute period” —  the crucial window following acute care that is needed to nurture the whole person to health with specialized, clinically relevant services.

NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best achieved in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourages, assists and supports each client so he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to achieve function and independence.

NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is an accessible residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury
(TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Amputations, Burns and other Catastrophic Injuries and Challenging Diagnoses.

2725 Robie Avenue

Mount Dora, Florida 32757

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