In 2014 we covered the X2 Biosystems concussion sensor that was quickly becoming a mainstay in pro and collegiate sports. Now almost two years later they are releasing their next generation monitor.
At the 13th MIT Sloan Healthcare and Bio-Innovations Conference, which took place February 26th-29th, X2 Biosystems debuted their X-Patch Pro. The new wearable head impact monitor will replace their original X-Patch and will be released to the public in the second quarter of 2016.
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The first generation X-Patch was released in 2012 and since then it has become widely used throughout the sports community. In 2015 it became the most tested wearable head impact monitoring device. In that same year multiple studies were conducted that showed by using the X-Patch during practices and games to monitor, then learn from the results, helped to reduce head impacts that lead to concussions by 30%-70%.
The device, which helps to monitor traumatic brain injuries and what impacts cause them over time, is used throughout the sports world and beyond. It is not just football players that are using these monitors in high numbers; as many in the United States still only associate head injuries with that sport. Athletes in soccer, baseball, Taekwondo, lacrosse, skiing, and many more use the X-Patch, as well as many military programs.
X-Patch Pro will build on the same monitoring system that proved to be so successful while making some very important changes and modifications. The Pro version is not only more technologically advanced, it is also lighter and smaller in size.
The Pro version continues where the original left off by encouraging use across a range of sports and activities; as it can be worn directly on skin or as a part of nearly any helmet or protective headgear. It records all head impacts and the data is then collected via Bluetooth technology where it is stored and analyzed in X2 Biosystems’ Impact Management System App. The app can be accessed on tablets, Smartphones, and desktop computers. The data collected can then be viewed in real time to help coaches, trainers, and doctors understand the impacts.
The goal is to have the data be quickly accessible so it can help provide information and analytics that lead to actionable results. With the X-Patch Pro, X2 Biosystems, hopes they can reach more users than ever before. Their sensors are in high demand, and they are competing against the many other concussion monitoring systems on the market. Thus, the company is reducing production costs so they can sell them at a more affordable price point.
X2 Biosystems CEO John Ralston wants to help change the conversation regarding head injuries. “We’re excited about the launch of the X-Patch Pro because it enables an important shift in focus…to modifying athletes’ behavior in a way that significantly reduces the risks and incidence of concussion injuries happening in the first place.”
Whether head impacts and concussions which can lead to serious health issues down the line eventually deter kids and adults from participating in high impact sports is yet to be seen. For now X2 Biosystems is hoping to help start a new wave of monitoring that is both affordable and effective. With a database of more than 5.5 million records of head impacts, X-Patch Pro is here to help drive change in habits to prevent high impact head injuries so athletes, coaches and doctors no longer have to play catch up.