The Tufts Medical Center tested Unequal HART technology. The study stated, “Chest protector designs incorporating these novel materials will likely be effective in the prevention of commotio cordis on the playing field.” The original research is found within a peer-reviewed, published study in Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, January 2017 – Volume 27 Issue 1
“Development of a Chest Wall Protector Effective in Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death by Chest Wall Impact (Commotio Cordis)”
STUDY SYNOPSIS
Objective:
“Commotio cordis, sudden death with chest impact, occurs clinically despite chest wall protectors worn in sports. In an experimental model of commotio cordis, commercials available chest wall protectors failed to prevent ventricular fibrillation (VF). The goal of this investigation was to develop a chest wall protector effective in prevention of commotio cordis.”
Results:
“…Of 12 chest protectors assessed, only 3 significantly lowered the risk of VF compared with impacts without chest protectors. These 3 heart protectors were combinations of [Unequal’s] Accelleron,® Airilon,® TriDur® and ImpacShield® of different thicknesses.”
Clinical Relevance:
“Chest protector designs incorporating these novel materials [Unequal] will likely be effective in the prevention of commotio cordis on the playing field.”
What is commotio cordis?
- Commotio cordis is sudden death caused by a random, non-penetrating blow to the chest by a ball, bat, stick or hand.
- Commotio cordis is the # 2 killer in sports with 40+ million young athletes ages 6 to 18 who play contact sports at risk.
- Sports with at-risk players: Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, Hockey, Soccer, Martial Arts, Football, Cricket, Basketball and other contact sports.
