Helmet performance and safety have dramatically improved over the past decade, thanks largely to advancements in materials, designs, and testing methods. That said, a gap still exists when it comes to adequately assessing the risks that lead to concussions and other head injuries. In 2025, there will be a continued focus on innovation and striving towards regulations that allow for prevention against such issues. Biokinetics is pleased to support the pursuit of a better foundation of safety for all through comprehensive head impact testing. With years of industry-leading experience, we help address real-world challenges through data-driven insights and advance helmet technology across sports, industrial, and military applications. Below, we’ll explore how helmet safety has evolved and the continued challenge of addressing concussion.
How Helmet Safety Has Evolved
In recent years, many of the advancements in helmet performance technologies have focused on improving energy absorption and force distribution. Modern helmets feature multi-layered padding systems, foam, and lightweight shells that allow wearers to perform their intended activities while still mitigating the forces experienced during the sudden impacts that frequently occur in sports like football. Fuelled by pushes by the NFL, this sustained focus on prevention and mitigation has spurred manufacturers to adopt more rigorous testing protocols and explore innovative solutions for reducing both linear and rotational impacts, two key contributors to concussions.
Addressing the Challenge of Concussions
While manufacturers and safety entities have made ground in addressing some of the risks to athletes, the unique nature of concussions continues to pose ongoing challenges. Rotational forces–those caused by twisting motions–can result in shearing forces within the brain, potentially leading to cognitive and neurological effects over time. Helmets have come a long way in their ability to manage linear impacts, but rotational dynamics require specialized testing and design approaches that have yet to be universally adopted. Finding a universal solution is particularly difficult due to the diverse range of impacts helmets must address during recreational or competitive athletic scenarios; from falls to high-speed collisions. The mechanisms of concussions is also an area of ongoing research and a consensus on the mechanisms and thresholds remain to be reached. As a result, it is difficult to find a design or method that holistically addresses allconcerns sufficiently and an incremental approach is often taken.
Biokinetics’ Expertise in Helmet Testing
At Biokinetics, we understand the unique considerations presented by rotational forces and specialize in developing and implementing advanced testing methodologies to meet these challenges. Once the specific requirements of each unit are established (i.e. whether it will be used for athletes, construction workers, or military personnel), our engineers employ rigorous testing protocols designed to evaluate performance under a variety of conditions, such as:
Multi-Axis Testing
We assess helmets for both linear and rotational impacts using high-fidelity surrogate headforms equipped with precision sensors that ensure a comprehensive performance understanding.
Material and Energy Analysis
Measuring energy absorption and force distribution helps identify how well a helmet reduces the risk of injury and informs critical design adjustments to enhance safety.
Real-World Simulations
Finally, valid testing methods must sufficiently replicate real-world scenarios that helmets face in their intended settings. Our tests are designed to provide data you can trust, driven by similar scenarios your protective equipment will experience during use.
Discover the Biokinetics Difference
Biokinetics’ team of leading engineers bring decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to safety innovation. From initial design evaluations to final performance assessments, we deliver comprehensive support tailored to each client’s goals. When you partner with Biokinetics, you gain:
- Access to state-of-the-art testing facilities and equipment ready to perform.
- Expert analysis of helmet performance, including detailed insights into linear and rotational impacts.
- Collaborative design refinement aimed at exceeding, and even establishing safety expectations.
Results You Can Trust
Learn more about Biokinetics’ helmet assessment and testing capabilities by contacting us today.
