A UNCW research team developing a Neck Strength Assessment Tool (NSAT) that could mitigate head and neck injuries in soldiers and athletes has been approved for NCInnovation funding, according to a news release 

Lindsey Schroeder, associate professor of athletic training, and Alex McDaniel, associate professor of exercise science, are co-leading the University of North Carolina Wilmington multidisciplinary team.

“We are honored to receive NCInnovation funding to advance our Neck Strength Assessment Tool,” Schroeder stated in the release. “Building on our NC Biotechnology Translational Research Grant, this support brings us closer to market launch. Our technology aims to enhance injury prevention and rehabilitation for military personnel, athletes and the general public, ultimately paving the way for safer and healthier communities nationwide.” 

The NSAT and corresponding mobile app are designed to help identify individuals at risk for traumatic brain injuries, whiplash and other head and neck trauma. The portable device uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor neuromuscular performance, the release stated.

"By measuring neck strength, the NSAT offers a data-driven way to evaluate the effectiveness of neck strengthening protocols. Improving neck strength is emerging as a quantifiable strategy to mitigate the risk of traumatic brain injuries, particularly concussions, by directly addressing the forces that contribute to such injuries," according to the release.

The release stated that the technology provides users with a “go/no-go” indication to help prevent future head and neck injuries.

"This innovative approach supports the U.S. Department of Defense’s push for non-invasive, durable and scalable monitoring tools that promote warfighter readiness, injury prevention and long-term resilience," according to the release. "It also holds promise for civilian use, particularly in high-risk populations such as American football players and other athletes in contact sports, by helping identify those most vulnerable to injury."

Other contributing UNCW faculty include co-investigators Lucas Layman (Department of Computer Science), Hamed Saeidi (Department of Computer Science), Yang Song (Department of Computer Science) and Yishi Wang (Department of Mathematics and Statistics), the release stated. The group is also supported by external engineer Charles Luddy, one graduate student and one undergraduate student. The project is part of UNCW’s Brain Health Resilience Research Hub.

“This research at UNC Wilmington has the potential to make waves in the medical device sector for conditions that afflict countless people,” said Michelle Bolas, NCInnovation’s executive vice president and chief innovation officer, in the release. “NCInnovation helps universities advance discoveries with real-world applications, strengthening the university-to-industry pipeline that’s central to American competitiveness.” 

The NSAT was among 17 research projects at North Carolina public universities that were approved for funding by NCInnovation’s Board of Directors in May. It is the second year in a row a project from UNCW has been selected, following Associate Professor of Chemistry Ying Wang’s work in developing a vaccine platform last spring.