Saline company’s mouthguard could help detect concussions in athletes

Saline-based Akervall Technologies Inc. has developed a new mouthguard that could help prevent concussions in athletes.

Akverall is the manufacturer of all SISU Sports Mouthguards. The new SISU Sense mouthguard is made from plastic polymers and is extremely thin, allowing the guard to fit snugly in an athlete’s mouth. A microchip sensor embedded in the guard can detect collisions and calculate the force of each hit by providing acceleration measurements for what the head experiences. A battery is also installed in the guard to last up to six months.

Users can monitor the microchip readings through the SISU Sense mobile app. It displays the number of minor and major hits an athlete has experienced throughout one day.

Akervall CEO Sassa Akervall says the conversation around concussions, especially with young athletes, inspired the product’s creation. While the Akervall team knew they couldn’t create a solution to detect concussions, they spent two years working on a product that could register the force of head collisions.

“A mouthguard can’t prevent concussions. That’s not what we do,” says Akervall. “We just wanted to develop a tool to better understand what you’re getting yourself into (with each impact to the head).”

Because even minor hits can add up to head trauma, the mouthguard can help coaches, parents, and athletes understand the impact of a hit and make the best decisions for the athlete’s health.

“We’re giving more power in the hands of the parent,” Akervall says. “We want to be able to give them the power of knowledge to make the best decisions for their children.”

The SISU Sense mouthguard is now available to purchase at SISU Guard’s website.

Emily Benda is a freelance writer based in Ann Arbor. You can contact her at emily@emilybenda.com.

Photos courtesy of Akervall Technologies.