Helmets Using WaveCel Technology Outperform Competitors in a Research Study on Head and Brain Protection

December 18, 2024

Journal of Forensic Biomechanics Publishes Performance Comparison of Latest Generation of Safety Helmets with Formative Results

Wilsonville, OR—December 18, 2024 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ — WaveCel, setting new benchmarks in helmet safety technology by going beyond standards to help protect the head and the brain, today announced formative results from a research study published by the Journal of Forensic Biomechanics.

The research evaluated the latest generation of ANSI Z89.1 Type II safety helmets, designed to meet enhanced lateral impact requirements and to address the rotational forces responsible for most traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While several manufacturers have introduced innovative impact liners to dampen these forces, the study confirmed that helmets featuring WaveCel technology outperformed competitors in reducing the rotational accelerations linked to brain injuries.

Key Findings:

• WaveCel’s superior performance: Helmets featuring WaveCel technology achieved the lowest rotational acceleration (0.9 ± 0.4 rads/s²) and velocity (4.1 ± 2.9 rads) during oblique impact testing, far exceeding other technologies.
• Advancing beyond compliance: The study highlighted that while the latest helmets meet ANSI Type II lateral impact standards for skull fracture prevention, they vary widely in their ability to mitigate rotational forces.
• Scientific validation: Published by the Journal of Forensic Biomechanics, this research offers scientific evidence of WaveCel’s industry-leading safety performance.

“The findings are clear: not all helmets are created equal when it comes to protecting workers from brain injuries,” said David Visnack, CEO at WaveCel. “WaveCel technology has redefined what safety means, addressing both the linear and rotational forces responsible for head trauma. The construction industry now has a proven solution to offer workers better protection.”

An Important Opportunity for Change

The study underscores the limitations of current helmet standards, which primarily focus on skull fracture prevention while neglecting the rotational forces that cause the vast majority of workplace TBIs. With over 50,000 work-related head injuries reported annually in the U.S., the construction industry accounts for 25% of these cases—more than any other sector. Falls, slips, and lateral impacts are the leading causes of these injuries, making comprehensive head protection essential.

The findings of this study highlight the need for the construction industry to reconsider its approach to helmet safety, emphasizing the importance of technologies that protect both the skull and brain. By adopting solutions that effectively mitigate rotational forces, the industry has a significant opportunity to reduce the human and economic toll of traumatic brain injuries.

Since its debut in 2019 within the sports sector, with TREK Bicycle and Burton/Anon adopting WaveCel technology in cycling and ski/snowboard helmets respectively, WaveCel has been at the forefront of safety solutions that revolutionize what’s inside a helmet.

While WaveCel’s founders, Dr. Steve Madey and Dr. Michael Bottlang, contributed to the research, the study was rigorously peer-reviewed by the Journal of Forensic Biomechanics, ensuring independent validation of the findings.

For more information about the research article, Impact Performance Comparison of Type II Safety Helmets with and without Dedicated Mechanisms for Brain Protection, visit [Insert Link].

About WaveCel: 

Based in Oregon and founded in 2016 by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steve Madey and biomechanical engineer Dr. Michael Bottlang, WaveCel is a leading innovator in helmet safety technology. WaveCel’s spatial cellular structure revolutionizes helmet design, offering unparalleled protection against head injuries. With a commitment to advancing safety standards across industries, WaveCel continues to push the boundaries of innovation. Learn more at WaveCel.com and follow WaveCel on Instagram, Facebook and X.