The effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head can be deadly. TBI consequences can last a few days or persist for the remainder of the injured person’s life. TBI contributes to approximately 30% of all injury deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC. Under-reported concussions from sports injuries at all levels from youth programs to professional teams are on the decline since 2004 when under-reporting was estimated at 80%, but the CDC estimates that 60% of concussions still go unreported.
Researchers at TIAX and Brain Power recently published a study reporting success using smart glasses to assess concussions. Waist-based standing balance accelerometer measurement (BAM) is a common concussion assessment method. The scientists investigated the validity of this test by comparing Google Glass Explorer Edition smart glasses results with the waist-based BAM. The study entailed comparisons of measurements by both methods with 42 healthy subjects: 26 male and 16 female. The study found that measurements with smart glasses had high reliability and a significant positive correlation with the more cumbersome BAM method.
Lightweight smart glasses used for field-side concussion assessment were equal to waist-mounted testing. More testing will determine the extent to which smart glasses can be used for concussion testing. The research team also wants to explore real-time assessment techniques coupled with clinical guidance via telemedicine.
