NeuroGuard+ has published the final results of a controlled laboratory study that measured head acceleration during repetitive soccer heading. The study, led by concussion researcher Alan J. Pearce, Ph.D., found statistically significant reductions in mean linear and rotational head acceleration when participants used the company's lower-jaw mouthguard. The results were published September 17, 2026.
The study included 22 experienced soccer players, 18 men and four women, who completed 20 standardized headers. 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 final report found that NeuroGuard+ reduced mean linear head acceleration by approximately 20% and mean rotational head acceleration by approximately 27%. 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.
Dr. Pearce said the findings suggest that a commercially available lower mandibular repositioning mouthguard can attenuate head acceleration while helping preserve acute neurophysiological and cognitive function following repetitive soccer heading. "These results provide encouraging evidence supporting continued research into mandibular repositioning technology in competitive contact sports," he said.
The study measured head acceleration and immediate responses after heading. It did not measure concussion incidence or establish that any mouthguard prevents concussion. The final report concludes 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. It also notes 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.
NeuroGuard+ describes its product as a neuromuscular performance device rather than an ordinary mouthguard. The company says the device is designed to help the jaw sit in its ideal physiologic position, where muscles, joints, and nerves work together in balance. The device fits on the lower teeth and is sold as a medically patented do-it-yourself home device that customizes around an athlete's bite. The company says its lower-fit design is intended to reduce and dissipate impact forces and to support oxygen intake and normal speech through lower arch placement. Lower-jaw mouthguard for athletes is how the company frames the product for customers.
The company is based in Traverse City and markets NeuroGuard+ to athletes, particularly high school and college athletes, along with sports coaches, physical trainers, mothers of student athletes, and sporting goods stores. The company says its mission is to help prevent concussions in youth athletes and to teach athletes about physiologic jaw alignment during sports participation.
Dr. Michael Hutchison, DDS, said in a statement that scientific studies consistently demonstrate that maintaining physiological jaw alignment reduces risk of concussion. "Everyone has a unique anatomy. The NeuroGuard+ is the solution to improving safety and performance," he said.
The company points to athlete users that include MLB baseball players, pro bull riders, and NCAA hockey and football athletes, as well as coaches. Pro bull rider Alex Goins is among the athletes who use the device.