Parents and amateur players are being advised to consider concussion safety well ahead of the 2024 sports seasons, based on a HIT-IQ study of local football and rugby players who were found to receive an average of 8 head knocks per game during the 2023 season.
HIT-IQ Smart mouthguards, available to junior and amateur athletes exclusively at Bupa Dental Care, are fitted with hi-tech sensors that monitor for repeat head impacts. Paired with a mobile application, the system provides an alert following the detection of any significant head impact and then directs the parent or player to assess potential symptoms using HITIQ’s concussion symptomology screening tool.
Concussion is a growing concern at amateur and professional sports levels with a recent report tabled by the Senate Committee sending a clear message to Australia that more needs to be done to address the way head impacts are managed – and prevented – at all levels of sport.
Glenn Smith, HIT-IQ CEO said the junior and amateur 2023 sports season data for local and junior sport is compelling when it comes to highlighting the need for everyone in the community to take concussion risks seriously.
“We know a major barrier to junior and amateur sports participation is concern over head knocks. With our hi-tech HIT-IQ mouthguards, we are giving more control and information to parents and players to help them make informed game-day decisions.
“Our partnership with Bupa Dental is a game-changer when it comes to making our smart mouthguards easily available to parents,” Glenn said.
The mouthguard data suggests the start of the sports season is when competition appears to be most physical, with April and May recording the most head knocks – well ahead of the finals.
Dr Ros Blakley, Director, Bupa Dental Care said offering the HIT-IQ mouthguards acts as an important link between oral and general health.
“The importance of an expertly fitted mouthguard for young players is widely acknowledged, but this partnership enables us to offer a solution that delivers more peace of mind for parents and amateur athletes.
“We encourage parents to start thinking about their 2024 season options now to ensure they have their mouthguard fittings done and are well prepared ahead of next year,” Ros said.
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