Optimization of Novel Women's Lacrosse Headgear

Women's lacrosse has the fourth highest injury prevalence in all sports, male or female. It is estimated that there are over 10, 500 concussion exposures for female high school lacrosse athletes each year which associates to short-term healthcare costs averaging over $413 million. It is the mission of GaLAXy Gear to provide and develop an innovative solution for female lacrosse athletes in order to reduce the risk of head injuries. In this study, the optimal material specifications for a novel partial soft headgear were examined. The objectives of this investigation were to find a force absorbent material, thickness, and hardness that can withstand and reduce the force transmitted to the head of a 60 mph lacrosse shot, yet be soft enough to maintain the integrity and finesse of women's lacrosse.