LSU Using High Tech Mouth Guard To Monitor Intensity Of Hits On Players

Football is a rough game at any age. When bodies are crashing into bodies the laws of physics can not be ignored, someone is going to suffer damage. Just how much damage a player's body goes through during a game is being closely monitored by LSU trainers thanks to a new high tech mouth guard.

LSU is the only team in the nation to utilize the technolog of the i1 mouth guard. This mouth piece uses a computer chip that can actually monitor the amount of force a player's body undergoes during contact on the field. The chip also detects where the impact occurred. The mouth guard is produced by i1Biometrics. CEO of i1Biometrics Jesse Harper told the Louisiana Radio Network how the system works,

"It sends a 3D picture over to the sidelines so a render of that players head alerts the sideline staff. Then if the athletic trainers think it's worthy of taking a look at they can pull that player out and check on him."

 

The information gained by using such technology in actual game conditions could be life saving. It could also help leagues determine the safest way for players to play the game. Jesse Harper gave this illustration of how the i1 mouth guard might be used in pro football

"When the NFL moves the kickoff forward to reduce the running distance for these guys, we can measure if that actually lowers the amount of impact these guys are taking,"

So far the real world trial of the technology has yielded fantastic results. Trainers have been getting great information and the players say the equipment is comfortable to wear.