NeuroGuard+ Study Shows Reduced Head Acceleration During Soccer Heading

NeuroGuard+ has announced the final results of a controlled laboratory study showing that its lower-jaw mouthguard can reduce head acceleration during repetitive soccer heading. The study, led by concussion researcher Alan J. Pearce, Ph.D., involved 22 experienced soccer players, 18 men and four women, who completed 20 standardized headers. The research was conducted in Traverse City, Michigan, on September 17, 2026.

The findings indicate that the NeuroGuard+ mouthguard significantly reduced mean linear head acceleration by approximately 20% and mean rotational head acceleration by approximately 27% compared to no mouthguard and a conventional upper-mouthguard comparator. The between-group differences were statistically significant for mean linear acceleration compared with no mouthguard (p=0.041) and with the conventional upper mouthguard (p=0.038), and for mean rotational acceleration compared with the upper mouthguard (p=0.020). Peak acceleration results were not statistically significant.

The researchers also reported a significant difference in cortical inhibition between the NeuroGuard+ and conventional upper-mouthguard groups after heading (p=0.050), with the response better maintained in the NeuroGuard+ group. Choice reaction time differed significantly between those groups after heading (p=0.049), while response accuracy did not differ. These findings describe immediate laboratory measurements following repetitive soccer heading and should not be interpreted as evidence of real-world concussion prevention.

The study, which measured head acceleration and immediate responses after heading, did not establish that any mouthguard prevents concussion. It concluded that the results support further field research during training and competition, including studies designed to evaluate whether lower head acceleration translates into a change in concussion outcomes.

NeuroGuard+ is a commercially available lower-arch athletic mouthguard designed to reposition the mandible while leaving the upper arch unobstructed. The product was developed by Traverse City dentist Michael Hutchison, D.D.S. More information is available at NeuroGuard+.

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The study involved 22 experienced soccer players, with 18 men and four women. Each participant completed 20 standardized headers, and researchers recorded linear and rotational head acceleration, assessed neurophysiological responses using transcranial magnetic stimulation, and measured choice reaction time. Participants completed a no-mouthguard condition and were assigned to use either NeuroGuard+ or a conventional upper-mouthguard comparator.

The researchers noted that the proposed mechanism involving jaw and neck coupling was inferred rather than measured directly, and that head acceleration can only be used to infer brain-tissue strain. The study's findings provide encouraging evidence supporting continued research into mandibular repositioning technology in competitive contact sports.

The results of this study are significant for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations looking to reduce the risk of head injuries during soccer training and competition. While the mouthguard does not prevent concussion, it may help mitigate some of the immediate effects of repetitive heading.