Researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics at Drexel University have developed a cervical spine protection device (CSPD) for reducing neck injuries in high impact sports.  There is a demonstrated need for better protection of the cervical spine to prevent spinal cord injury, compression injury in chin down position, and cervical cord neurapraxia.  American football has the highest number of catastrophic cervical spine injuries of all sports, but the device could be equally effective in other spots activities involving high impact forces and rapid accelerations such as hockey, rugby, motocross, and racecar driving.

The CSPD allows freedom of movement of the neck within safe, injury-free, physiological range of motion without compromising athletic performance.  It protects the neck against potential injuries by preventing it from moving outside the safe physiological range.  These restraining capabilities were tested on human volunteers in a controlled laboratory environment; the studies demonstrated improved endurance and reduced fatigue of the neck muscles.  The CSPD uses four customizable hyper-elastic bands that become stiffer as the neck moves into extremes of motion where it is prone to injury.  These bands are part of an adjustable vest/hood system, making it a practical neck protective solution with streamlined appearance, as it is virtually unnoticeable worn underneath normal protective gear.