FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, FAQ

ACT Head Impact Tracker 

Last updated: 17th of November 2022

LIST OF MOBILE DEVICES' FUNCTIONALITY WITH ACT HEAD IMPACT TRACKER

Tested and found working brands (models, Android OS)
1. Samsung Galaxy A21s (AOS 12) 
2. Samsung Galaxy A41 (AOS 11)
3. Motorola e20 (AOS 11)
4. OnePlus8 (AOS12)
Please note: occasional problems with establishing and maintaining connection between the head sensors and mobile devices (no notification to the App regarding) were recorded:
Samsung phones: the connection may be extremely slow or disconnected if the mobile phone's screen is switched off (= not lighted). The connection should be re-established when the screen is switched back on (=lighted) as long as the sensor(s) are in the reach of Bluetooth® wireless technology.

Tested and found not working as intended (models, Android OS)
4. Xiaomi Redmi 9a (AOS 10)
Frequent problems with establishing and maintaining connection between the head sensors and mobile devices (no notification to the App regarding) were recorded:
The connection between the sensors and the mobile phone was disconnected when the App was not on, on top of the open Apps and/or screen was switched off (not lighted). 

Tested and found not working (models, Android OS)
5. OnePlus Nord N100 (AOS 11)
ACT Head Impact Tracker does not function with these mobile devices.

Other brands and models have not been tested, and cannot be granted to work, or work as intended with ACT Head Impact Tracker. (If your device is not on the list, it does not guarantee it is functional, or that is not. We just have not tested it yet.)

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS

WHAT IS ACT HEAD IMPACT TRACKER?
It is a head impact measuring device, more specifically a head sensor and linked software (Mobile app) and cloud services.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
ACT Head Impact Tracker consists of three parts, a head sensor (in the following called “the sensor”), a smartphone mobile App and a Cloud service. When the head sensor detects linear impact of 10g or more, it sends the impact information to a Cloud server via ACT Head Impact Tracker smartphone mobile App. The Cloud server saves the information and sends the information back to the assigned App(s). There are also additional service features and functionalities available and in development, which might differ from or add to this flow, but the basic functionality is this.


WHAT INFORMATION IS COLLECTED ON THE HEAD IMPACTS?
The head sensor measures head impacts by recording maximum linear acceleration and deceleration, which is communicated as g-force. The impact forces are communicated in numeric values (g-force). When the head sensor detects a linear impact of 10g or more, the impact information will be recorded and communicated to the User via the mobile app. The impacts under the preset threshold will not be recorded, saved nor communicated in the App. Sometimes you may get a value under 10g, featuring in your history though. This is because if any of the three axes measured exceeds 10g it will be calculated and communicated. Also time when the system recorded the impact will be communicated together with the impact force.

HOW IS THE g-FORCE MEASURED?
The accelerometer measures g-forces along three axes (x, y, and z axes) and the peak acceleration is determined by a mathematical formula.

WHAT CAN THE NUMBERS TELL ME?
High numerical values indicate more violent impacts. There is no clear consensus of a clear-cut danger limit of acceleration as expressed in g-force. In many studies, acceleration/deceleration under 40g have been considered likely not to cause permanent damage, but it can be extrapolated that the probability of permanent damage starts to increase in impacts within the range of 40-60g and higher.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I GET A HEAD IMPACT?
There is a set of great sideline tools available for anyone which you can download for free. They are BMSJ’s Concussion Recognition Tool®s (CRT). You can download the English version of CRT 5 here: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/872 and English Pocket CRT here: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/267. It is also available translated to many other languages, look them up in the web, print out and include it into your training kit! When an impact occurs, take out your CRT and run through it to get more information on the situation and what to do next, do’s and don’ts.
It is always recommended to seek immediate medical attention, if there is any reason to suspect a brain injury.

WHY IS THERE NO RISK ASSESSMENT OR CLASSIFICATION OF THE IMPACT SEVERITY IN ACT HEAD IMPACT TRACKER?
There is not enough information or scientific research to reliably, and simply classify individual impacts to “small-medium-large” or “red-orange-green” on the basis of a single g-force measurement. In the absence of proven, reliable, scientific results and correlation ACT Head Impact Tracker is not telling you “when the impact is too hard, or when it is not”, nor will it tell you “when you have to seek medical help, or when not”. There simply is no safe way to do so for a head impact tracking device.
One rule of thumb applies though: the more violent the impact, the bigger the impact forces and the chance for the damage to occur. The sensor’s job is to tell when an impact occurred. Use appropriate side line assessment tools or seek medical attention to assess the situation further.

WHY DO SOME OF THE OTHER PRODUCTS HAVE FEATURES LIKE RISK EVALUATION BASED ON THE IMPACT FORCES?
That is a question you have to ask them.

WHY SHOULD I USE ACT HEAD IMPACT TRACKER?
In everyday use, every athlete, coach, trainer and parent can use ACT Head Impact Tracker to:

  1. Track down the impacts occurring. High numerical values indicate more violent impacts. 
    There is no clear consensus of a clear-cut danger limit of acceleration as expressed in g-force. In many studies, acceleration/deceleration under 40g have been considered likely not to cause permanent damage, but it can be extrapolated that the probability of permanent damage starts to increase in impacts within the range of 40-60g and higher.
  2. Keep an eye on the impact history and load. When the previous impact occurred? How many and what kind of impacts has happened in last days / weeks / months / season / year / 3 years / career?
  3. Track down the athlete/-s getting more impacts than their peers, address the issue and reduce the impact load for the individual athlete/-s.
  4. Identify the trainings and drills with most head impacts, modify them or lower their frequency in the training plan to reduce the impact load for all the athletes.
  5. Identify the positions more prone to head impacts, keep an eye on the players in those positions and modify the training plans to reduce the impact load for the athletes involved.
  6. Demonstrating how hard the impacts are with objective measures can contribute to better awareness and understanding of the head impacts, increase mutual respect of players and athletes, and minimize unnecessary risk taking.
  7. Demonstrating objectively that impacts are occurring may encourage the coaches, trainers and team personnel to introduce and apply suitable sideline procedures, like CRT.
  8. Share with those who care and can help to reduce your impact load. Users can share their impact data with those who should know too. These can be for example coaches, trainers, parents and co-athletes.
  9. Trained eye of a coach may detect poor techniques from the force and direction graphical illustrations.
  10. Teams and clubs tracking the head impacts can tell the parents of junior athletes that they do everything they can to monitor their children on the pitch.

Regarding point 7. we highly recommend including to your “head impact protocol” a side line assessment tool such as BMSJ’s Concussion Recognition Tool®s (CRT). You can download the English version of CRT 5 here: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/872 and English Pocket CRT in here: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/5/267. They are also available in several other languages, go and look them up in the web.
If licensed medical professionals are unavailable on site, and you do not have an assessment tool available at hand, you can also see “In case of a sport incident” text in the App. You will find it in the App’s Menu. There is useful information for non-medical first responders to help deal with the situation in a calm and structured manner.

 

HEAD SENSOR RELATING QUESTIONS

HOW TO WEAR IT?
The head sensor measures forces on what it is attached to. Hence we strongly recommend attaching ACT Head Impact Tracker head sensor on a head with a tight-fitting head accessory of user’s choosing, also underneath or below a helmet. Head bands specifically designed for the head sensor can be purchased in our webstore (www.act-tracker.com).  
The head sensor can be attached to almost any kind of head accessory or wear with hook and loop -tape, or similar adhesives. Docks specifically designed to accommodate the sensor to narrow sports hairbands can be purchased in our webstore (www.act-tracker.com).
The back panel of the head sensor has an adhesive surface that you can use by removing the protective film on top of it. We recommend that you use the adhesive surface to attach one piece of hook side of the hook and loop -tape, with which you can attach the head sensor to the ACT Head Impact Tracker headband or other head accessory. Please note that the surface is very adhesive, consider carefully where or what you want to attach to it. 
If you consider attaching head sensor to a helmet, refer to your helmet’s User Manual, Owner’s Guide and website. Your helmet’s warranty might be compromised if you attach anything to it. Always follow the helmet manufacturer's instructions on safe helmet use. Only use a helmet that meets the applicable safety standard when you use a helmet with the head sensor.

  1. Always place the head sensor so that its head side (i.e. the side with the foam, on/off-button and led-light) is towards your head.
  1. We recommend placing the head sensor on the back and side of the head, on the more even area after the ear for example. Do not use on the forehead or on the temple for example.

  2. Place the head sensor on the area where no direct impacts occur and where it will not get squeezed between your head and the helmet.

IS HEAD SENSOR SAFE TO USE?
We created ACT Head Impact Tracker to improve the well-being and health of athletes. However, some risks may be related to the head sensor use.
The head sensor does contain hard parts. These are the electronics, i.e. plastic circuit board with electronic components on it, and a standard CR2032 coin cell battery. The risks relating can be minimised by placing the head sensor in a location where direct impacts do not occur. Do not place the head sensor on the forehead, on the temple or on the back of your head for example.
The head sensor is not suitable for children under 36 months of age. Keep the head sensor out of reach of children. Contains small parts. Risk of suffocation! 
If swallowed, a coin cell battery is a risk for small children and animals, and it should be kept out of reach of children and animals. Swallowing a coin cell battery can lead to chemical burns, perforation of soft tissue, even death. If ingestion or inserting a coin cell battery into any body part is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. More information on the safety and toxicology of the coin cell battery on the battery’s manufacturer’s website or in the web.
The plastic casing is made of silicone, and the foam on the head side is closed cell EPDM. Our head sensor is in compliance with European Union Directive (2011/65/EU) on the restriction on the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronics equipment (RoHS).
The sensor is CE-marked. CE marking is an administrative marking that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA)

CAN I USE IT FOR MY TODDLER LEARNING TO WALK?
No. The head sensor is not suitable for children under 36 months of age. Keep the head sensor out of reach of small children and animals. Contains small parts. Risk of suffocation! 
Coin cell battery is a risk for small children, and it should be kept out of reach of children. Swallowing a coin cell battery can lead to chemical burns, perforation of soft tissue, even death. If ingestion or inserting a coin cell battery into any body part is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. More information on the safety and toxicology of the coin cell battery on the battery’s manufacturer’s website or in the web.

WHAT TYPES OF ELECTRONICS ARE THERE IN THE HEAD SENSOR? 
There is an accelerometer for measurement of linear forces. 
There is no GPS in the head sensor.

HOW DOES THE HEAD SENSOR CONNECT WITH THE MOBILE DEVICE WITH APP?
ACT Head Impact Tracker head sensor features Bluetooth® LE (low energy) wireless technology.

CAN I USE OTHER DEVICES FEATURING BLUETOOTH® WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY WHILE USING THE HEAD SENSOR?
Yes. The head sensor does not conflict with other Bluetooth® wireless technology connections. The connection is not on all the time, it only takes place in short bursts when needed.

HOW THE DATA MOVES FROM THE SENSOR TO THE APP EXACTLY?
When an impact occurs the head sensor is trying to send the impact information via Bluetooth® wireless connection to the mobile smartphone with ACT Head Impact Tracker App. If the mobile device and App are not at Bluetooth® wireless connection reach, the head sensor saves the impact data in it. The saved impact information can be transmitted when the sensor is at Bluetooth® wireless connection reach and multiple impact information can be transferred on one go. 

WHAT KIND OF A BATTERY DOES THE HEAD SENSOR NEED?
Very commonly available CR2032 coin cell battery. Please recycle the empty batteries. It is a good idea to keep a few new batteries in the storage so that your head sensor will always be ready and functional when you need it.

HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH “JUICE” THERE IS LEFT IN MY HEAD SENSOR’S BATTERY?
There are two ways to find out if the level of battery is too low.

  1. When you switch the head sensor on, the led light starts blinking in fast pace. Fast pace indicates that battery level is getting too low to enable ACT Head Impact Tracker to work as intended.
    If the led light does not come on at all, the battery is empty. Replace it with fresh coin cell battery.
    Led light might also either stay on (i.e. not blinking but constantly on), if this happens change the battery. If the led light is still staying on despite the fresh battery, switch it off, remove the battery and let it rest for a while. Try once more, if the led light is still constantly on after switching the head sensor on, the head sensor is very likely damaged and needs to be replaced. 
  2. In the App you can find battery energy level indicator for the sensors registered to it. You can find the indicators in the “Sensors” section next to each head sensor listed. 
    How to update the App's battery levels: 
    - Switch the head sensor on, open the App and see that connection between is established (little ACT-icon appears on the upper corner of your smartphone screen). 
    - Connection will update the head sensors’ battery level indicator within 2 minutes.

HOW LONG DOES THE BATTERY LAST?
CR2032 coin cell battery will last with ACT Head Impact Tracker head sensor versions 1.0 and 1.1 about 8-10 hours of sensor’s on time. In ACT head Impact Tracker head sensor version 1.2. (if purchased the 15th of November or after) the battery lasts something between 100-150 hours of on-time, depending on the battery used. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is an automatic switch off after 180 minutes of on time in the head sensor to help you to prevent so-called false positive impacts occurring, being recorded and featuring in your impact history from transportation and handling. So, if your exercise last longer than 180 minutes, remember to switch the head sensor back on!

WHY IS THERE AN AUTOMATIC SWITCH OFF AFTER 180 MINUTES IN THE HEAD SENSOR?
The head sensor records all the time when it is switched on. It is not possible to remove individual impacts from your impact history, even if they are so-called false positives (i.e. happened when the head sensor was not on the head). Hence, we included an automatic switch to help minimize so-called false positive impacts being recorded for example during transportation and handling.

CAN I DEACTIVATE THE AUTOMATIC SWITCH OFF?
No, you cannot.

IS THE HEAD SENSOR WATERPROOF?
No. It is not suitable for water sports or under water use.
When the head sensor’s hatch is properly closed and head sensor’s side seams sealed, the head sensor is “weather and sweat proof”.

IS THERE A TEMPERATURE RANGE FOR THE HEAD SENSOR TO WORK PROPERLY?
The temperature range for the head sensor electronics is approximately from -10C to 40C. Please be aware that cold temperature may impact the battery and cause it to drain faster.

DO I HAVE TO RUN ACT HEAD IMPACT TRACKER APP FOR THE HEAD SENSOR TO RECEIVE IMPACT INFORMATION IN NEAR-REAL-TIME?
Due to differences in smartphone brands and models, their operating systems and updates to them, it is recommended to have ACT Head Impact Tracker smartphone mobile App, logged in, open and screen switched on always when using the head sensor(s) and if you wish to get the impact information near-real-time.
Do not log out from the App, close the App, or use other App on top while listening to the head sensor(s). Also switching the mobile device's screen might disconnect the phone from the sensors, so it is recommended to keep the screen active and lighted always when using with the sensor(s).
Unsent impact information will be saved to the sensor and you can retrieve it once the Bluetooth® wireless connection in the mobile phone is available and the mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi our mobile data.

SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT RADIATION FROM THE HEAD SENSOR?
The head sensor uses Low-Energy Bluetooth® wireless technology for the communication and is rated safe for its use. The head sensor is also CE marked.

DO I NEED A REGISTRATION CODE FOR THE HEAD SENSOR TO REGISTER IT IN THE APP?
Yes, you need to enter a head sensor registration code in the App for each head sensor you add. You can find the unique registration code (also acting as serial number of the head sensor) on the product label, which is a white sticker underneath the battery hatch. Open the hatch and you can see the white sticker on the lid. Registration code is a 6-digit code on the product label. 
Please note: The registration codes are unique to each head sensor. Each head sensor comes with a one-time registration code. This means you can only add the head sensor once and to one User Account and Profile only. The head sensor cannot be removed or transferred to another User Account or Profile after registering it. 

WHEN DOES THE HEAD SENSOR’S ONE-TIME REGISTRATION CODE EXPIRE?
There is no expiration date as such, but each code can be used only once, one time to register the head sensor to your user account and profile there. 

CAN I RE-REGISTER MY HEAD SENSOR, OR MOVE IT TO ANOTHER USER ACCOUNT OR PROFILE?
No, you cannot.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO GIVE AWAY OR SELL MY HEAD SENSOR TO SOMEONE ELSE?
You can only register the head sensor once and to one User Account and Profile only. The head sensor cannot be removed or transferred to another User Account or Profile after registering it. So, selling or giving the head sensor away does not work as you cannot remove the sensor from one User Account and register it to another, nor can you transfer the sensor from one profile to another.

I RECEIVED HOOK AND LOOP TAPE WITH THE HEAD SENSOR AND THE HEAD BAND, HOW SHOULD I USE IT?
Place the sensor on the table head side down and back side up. There is glue tape area on the back side of the head sensor which is covered by a yellow cover foil (pic 1.). If you want to use hook and loop tape to attach the head sensor, take a piece of hook tape, remove the covers from the head sensor’s glue area and that of hook tape piece. Add the hook tape on top of the glue area on the head sensor as show in the 2nd picture.
1.    2. 

Attach the loop-side of the tape to the head wear you are planning to place it and to the location where no impacts occur. The loop-side is already there on the ACT Head Impact Tracker Headband and Dock, hence no need for using loop-tape with them.
Attach the head sensor back side hook area to the loop area of the head wear, ensure the head side of the head sensor is towards your head. Switch the head sensor on and off you go.

HOW SHOULD I WEAR IT WITH THE HEAD BAND?
Place the head sensor only in a location where impacts do not occur. Always place the head sensor so that its head side (i.e. the side with the foam, on/off-button and led-light) is towards your head. 
If you use a head band, the head sensor is to be placed in between the head and the head band. This is how it should look like with the head band.

 

MOBILE APP RELATED QUESTIONS

WHERE CAN I GET THE APP? 
WHAT OPERATING SYSTEM DO I NEED?
The App is currently available only in Google Play store and smart phones running Android operating system only. The functionality with all smartphone brands and models has not been tested and cannot be granted. There are brands and models which are not working as intended, or not working at all with ACT Head Impact Tracker. Please ensure to check the list of tested brands and models you can see in the very beginning of this document before purchasing ACT Head Impact Tracker head sensor or accessories.
Changes and updates in mobile phone brands, models, operating systems and components, as well as changes and updates made to features, functionalities and user preferences may impact on ACT Head Impact Tracker system and functionality. We are working hard to keep our App updated and functional with as many devices as possible, please help us to do so and tell us on the problems you encounter by emailing us at contact@norspo.com

I HAVE IPHONE, WHERE CAN I GET THE APP?
Sorry, but you can’t. Not yet. The App is not available for iPhones or iOS yet.

IS THE APP ONLY AVAILABLE FOR ANDROID PHONES?
Currently, yes. However the functionality with all smartphone brands and models has not been tested and cannot be granted. There are brands and models which are not working as intended, or not working at all with ACT Head Impact Tracker. Please ensure to check the list of tested brands and models you can see in the very beginning of this document before purchasing ACT Head Impact Tracker head sensor or accessories.

MY PHONE'S OPERATING SYSTEM WAS UPDATED AND NOW I HAVE ISSUES WITH MY ACT HEAD IMPACT TRACKER SYSTEM, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Unfortunately the phone operating systems are frequently updated and sometimes those updates might have dramatic impacts on the applications. All the brands have their own version of Android operating system, even if they are called the same number, every brand has their own version of that number, so to speak. 
We are doing our best to keep up with the development and changes made, but it is essential to understand that sometimes we only learn about the affects once the release is out. And sometimes the changes are affecting too much and ACT Head Impact Tracker system will become dysfunctional. Hence it is not impossible that one day a certain model with certain operating system will become unfit with ACT Head Impact Tracker system, even if it used to be fit.
We are working hard to keep all the brands and operating systems on board, but it may be we will not always succeed, or that fixing issues might take longer time.
If you face issues after operating system update, or ACT Head Impact Tracker App update for that matter, we recommend to do the following: 
- Restart the phone after the operating system update.
- Remove the old ACT Head Impact Tracker App before installing the new one (sometimes "Updating" is not complete and the App becomes something in-between the old and new and will not work.
- Restart the phone after installing ACT Head Impact Tracker App.
Always also good to visit the Application management (found in Settings) to remove all the unnecessary restrictions and such he update may have introduced. If the battery usage is restricted for example, it may interfere with the App functionality.
Please help us to get better by informing us on issues and changes relating to mobile device updates contact@norspo.com

MY ACT HEAD IMPACT TRACKER APP WAS UPDATED AND NOW IT DOES NOT WORK, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
We recommend to always remove the old App and only then install the new App. We do not recommend to use "Update" as sometimes the updating is not complete and the App becomes something in-between the old and new and will not work.
When the new App-version is installed, restart or switch off and back on the phone. ACT Head Impact Tracker is using phone's Bluetooth® wireless communication and sometimes this action is needed for the App to work as intended.

HOW CAN I START USING THE APP AND HEAD SENSOR?
Please note: You can register the head sensor only once, and to one Profile only. It is not possible to remove or change the head sensor to another Profile once registered.
1. Download the ACT Head Impact Tracker smartphone mobile App from Google Play
2. Tap on “Register” button on the App’s front page. Add your email which will act as your User-ID. Note: Your user-ID must be your email address. > We ask this so that we can reach you if we need to and to fulfil legal obligations.
3. Add a password. It has to have minimum 9 characters and contain small and capital letters, numbers and special characters. Use the eye-icon to check you wrote what you meant to. The App asks you to confirm the password by retyping it. The password must be exactly the same in both occasions to be registered. Tap “Continue”. Note: save your password carefully!
4. Select the country you are in. Tap “Continue”. > We ask this for statistical and research purposes, and to fulfil our legal obligations.
5. Read carefully our Privacy Policy, scroll down to the bottom, tic the box “I accept the terms mentioned above” by tapping the empty box before the text so that it becomes green and a tic appears to it. Tap “Continue”.
6. Read carefully our Terms of Use, scroll down to the bottom, tic the box “I accept the terms mentioned above” by tapping the empty box before the text so that it becomes green and a tic appears to it. Tap “Continue”.
7. Background appears with word “Registered” on it as soon as you have successfully registered your User account. A Login page appears automatically. You can login with your User-ID and Password. Tap “Login”. Type your User-ID and password. Tap “Continue”.
8. Create a Profile in your User Account to which you want to add the head sensor to. Tap "Add Profile" and follow the App’s instructions in creating the Profile. Please note: You cannot remove or change the Profile once created.
- You are asked to fill in Profile's name, we recommend not to use your full name, but to use a nick name or some other format of name which can not be linked to you by someone you do not know. > We ask you to name the Profile so that it is easier for you and your Shared Contacts to identify who is behind the Profile. We do not need, want nor use your name to any purpose.
- You are asked to fill in profile's birth date. > We ask this to statistical and research purposes, and to fulfil our legal obligations.
- You are asked to define your gender or mark it unspecified. > We ask this to statistical and research purposes.
Please note: You cannot remove or change the Profile once created.
9. Ensure location services and Bluetooth® wireless connection are enabled, on and active in your smartphone for the App and always when using it with the head sensor. Ensure mobile data and roaming (if needed) are enabled, on and active in your mobile device for the App and always when using it with the head sensor, or that you are connected to Wi-Fi.
10. Remove the head sensor from its package. Open the hatch. Add the coin cell battery by carefully sliding it underneath the silver-colored holder bridge as indicated by the arrow on the bridge + side is facing you and away from the electronics.
11. Locate the head sensor’s serial number also acting as Registration code, which is on the product label underneath the battery hatch. Open the hatch and you can see the white sticker on the lid. Registration code is a 6-digit code on the product label.
12. Close the hatch by pressing all the sides firmly together to seal the locks on them. Check that the sides are seamlessly connected with each other before the use. Please note: Inserting the battery may turn the sensor on, but some components might not turn on. Before the use, switch the sensor off and back on.
13. Turn the head sensor on by pressing the on/off-button once slowly and firmly. The sensor is on when the small red led light next to the button starts to blink in slow frequency. If the light blinks in high frequency (in fast pace), the battery is almost empty. Change the battery or ACT Head Impact Tracker might not work as intended. If the light does not come on at all or the light comes on but it is not blinking, try with new battery. If the light still is not coming on at all, or the light comes on, but it is not blinking, the head sensor is not working as it is supposed to and should be replaced.
14. When the sensor is on, choose the Profile you want to add the sensor to, click on it. Click then green button next to “Sensors”, and then “Add Sensor” button. The App has found the sensor when it says: “Found 1 sensor” Click “Continue”. The App is connected to the sensor when it shows “Connected to 1/1 sensors”. Add Registration code to the line under the text. Click “Continue”. If the App can not find any sensor, switch the sensor off and back on, and try again. If the App finds more than one sensors, switch off all the other sensors than the one you want to register and try again.
15. After the code is correctly typed, the App will confirm “Registration is successful”. This means your ACT Head Impact Tracker is ready for action.

    I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ENTERING MY EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE APP!
    In some smartphone brands and models the 1st letter is automatically upper case and a space may be added automatically after the period in your email address, check them. Also other autocorrection issues might occur. This is the likely reason for an email address being rejected by the system. Check that small letters in your email address are staying small letters and if space after period is automatically added, remove it.

    HOW CAN I MANAGE MY USER-ID, MY EMAIL IS CHANGING / HAS CHANGED?
    You cannot change your user-ID once created. This feature is not available yet.  If your email changes and you do not have access to your old email anymore (the one which is your User-ID), you have to create a new User Account and add the head sensor to it.
    Before you change your email and can’t use your User-ID anymore, remember to: 
    1. Take out your data (Coming soon: download your data via Browser Access) so that no impact history information is lost due to new User Account creation
    2. Inform us at contact@norspo.com about your User Account closure and ask us to delete your old account.

    HOW CAN I CHANGE MY USER ACCOUNT PASSWORD?
    You can’t. This feature is not available at this time. Make sure store your password carefully.

    I FORGOT MY PASSWORD, HOW CAN I LOG IN?
    Contact us at contact@norspo.com to see, if we can help you. Please note that we make no promises, data security is a priority in our actions. It is crucial that you store the User-ID and password carefully in a place which you can access without your mobile device in case it is lost or broken. 

    WHY DO I GET WARNING ON LOCATION / BLUETOOTH® CONNECTION BEING DISABLED?
    ACT Head Impact Tracker products and services are not functional without location services, Bluetooth® wireless connection, mobile data and data roaming (if needed), or Wi-Fi . They all must be enabled and active when using the head sensor. Alternatively to mobile data and roaming, you can use a local area network (called also LAN or Wi-Fi). Hence always when using ACT Head Impact Tracker ensure to:
    1. Enable location services on your mobile device for the App and always when using the App with the head sensor. Your mobile phone's Bluetooth® wireless connection will not work without it, and ACT Head Impact Tracker will not work without Bluetooth® wireless connection.
    2. Hence enable Bluetooth® wireless connection always when using App with the head sensor, or ACT Head Impact Tracker will not work.
    3. Enable Mobile Data and roaming (if needed) for the App in your mobile device. Switch on mobile data and roaming always when using App with the head sensor. Alternatively ensure that you are connected to Wi-Fi (or LAN) for the whole time you are using the App with the head sensor, or ACT Head Impact Tracker will not work as intended.

      WHY DO YOU NEED MY LOCATION?
      Your mobile phone's Bluetooth® wireless connection is essential for ACT Head Impact Tracker to work near-real-time. The head sensor sends all the data via Bluetooth® wireless connection and Bluetooth® wireless connection is needed on the mobile device to receive that information from the head sensor. Bluetooth® wireless connection needs location services on your mobile phone to function. That’s why ACT Head Impact Tracker must use your location.
      Also some future features and functionalities may need to use your location for other purposes, an example of this is soon-to-be-launched Fall Alert (you might know this as “crash sensor” functionality) which will be made available for subscription as an in-App purchase.

      WHY DO I NEED TO ADD A PROFILE?
      You need to create a Profile to add and use the head sensor. One User Account can have multiple Profiles and head sensors added to them. 

      HOW DO I CREATE A PROFILE?
      Note: You cannot remove the Profile once it is done. Also note that you cannot change the Profile’s information like name, birthdate or gender once they have been registered.

      1. Add a profile by pressing “Add Profile” button on your App’s landing page.
      2. Enter Profile name. For the data security reasons, we recommend not to use your own and/or full name.
        We ask you to name the Profile so that it is easier for you and your Shared Contacts to identify who is behind the Profile. We do not use your Profile name for any purpose.
      3. Enter your “Birth date”. We ask this for statistical and research purposes, and to fulfill our legal obligations. Note: Persons younger than 16 years must not give us any personal information. We do not knowingly collect personal information from persons under 16 years old.
      4. Choose your “Gender”. We ask this information for the statistical and research purposes.

      The Profile is ready when it appears as white block on your App’s landing page. The Profile’s last recorded impact data will be shown on the landing page block along with your Profile name.

      CAN I HAVE MANY PROFILES ON MY USER ACCOUNT?
      Yes. User Account can have multiple Profiles on it.

      CAN I HAVE MULTIPPLE SENSORS ON MY USER ACCOUNT?
      Yes. User Accounts can have multiple head sensors added to Profiles.

      HOW CAN I MANAGE MY PROFILE(S)?
      You cannot delete the Profile once it is done. Also note that you cannot change the Profile data like name, birthdate or gender.

      HOW CAN I SHARE MY DATA WITH OTHER USERS?
      You can add and remove your Profile Shared Contacts by going on a Profile you wish to manage so that it opens on the screen > tap three small bullets on the upper right-hand corner of the screen > “Manage Profile Shares” appears, tap that. Tap on the green bullet with +-sign on it in the next screen opening to add another ACT Head Impact Tracker User Account as your Profile’s “Shared Contact”. You can remove a Shared Contact by swiping left and deleting “Shared Contact” from the list. 
      Please note:
      1. Shared Contacts must have an User Account in ACT Head Impact Tracker and the App.       All notifications are sent as in-App notifications and impact information can be received and read in the ACT Head Impact Tracker App only. 
      2. The emails nor the User Accounts you add to share your data with are not confirmed by the system. Ensure from your Shared Contacts that they have received your share and accepted it. 
      The Shared Contact will receive an invitation to your share in their ACT Head Impact Tracker App. They can either reject or approve your invitation. If they approve your invitation your Profile and the data it has and receives will emerge to their landing page. Shared Profiles carry small symbol with three bullets joined by two lines on the right hand side of the profile. The Shared profile can not be Shared  forward.
      Do also note that All Profile’s “Shared Contacts” will receive all impact information on the Profile’s all sensors. Do not add “Shared Contact(s)” to the Profile if you do not want to share. You can have two or more Profiles and sensors if you want to share some impact information and keep other impact information to yourself/share it with different group of “Shared contacts”.

      IF I SHARE MY PROFILE, IS DATA ON ALL THE SENSORS’ ON MY PROFILE SHARED WITH THE SHARED CONTACTS?
      Yes.If you wish to only share some data, it is recommended to have two different profiles and sensors, one for the shared data and the other one for the data you do not wish to share.

      HOW DO I ADD A HEAD SENSOR TO THE APP?
      Please note: You cannot remove a head sensor from the Profile or move sensor from one Profile to another once it is added/registered. The head sensor can only be registered once and to one User Account and Profile.
      Ensure location services, Bluetooth® wireless connection, mobile data and roaming (if needed) are enabled, on and active in your mobile device (or that you are connected to Wi-Fi) for the App, and always when using the head sensor.

      1. Pick the Profile you want to add head sensor to. Tap on the Profile to open it.
      2. Take out the head sensor and insert CR2032 coin cell battery in it. Follow the instructions on The head sensor’s User Manual.
      3. Turn the head sensor on by pressing the button once, slowly and firmly. Ensure the head sensor is on by checking that the small led light next to the button starts to blink red in a slow pace.
      4. Locate “Sensors” button on the screen on the Profile onto which you wish to add the head sensor. Tap on the green button with +-sign on it.
      5. Tap “Add Sensor”. Follow the App’s instructions. The App tells you when it is connected to the sensor (“connected to 1 sensor”) and asks you to fill in the head sensor’s Registration Code which is a 6-digit code on the product label (the white sticker located inside the case, under battery lid). Note: if the App finds more than 1 sensor, switch off the other sensors, or move away from the area with multiple sensors while you are in registration process. Otherwise the App might be connected to other sensors and your registering will not be correctly done.
      6. Add the head sensor’s Register Code to the App. When the code is successfully added, App will confirm that the head sensor is registered. This means that your ACT Head Impact Tracker is now ready for action.

      HOW CAN I SEE MY IMPACT HISTORY?
      Choose the Profile you wish to see. Tap it open so that you can see “Impact History” on the white block in the bottom of the screen. Click on the green bullet with +-sign on it next to “Impact history” to open the Profile’s impact history recorded and saved.

      ARE THERE IN-APP PURCHASES IN THE ACT HEAD IMPACT TRACKER SMARTPHONE MOBILE APP?
      COMING SOON. 
      ACT Head Impact Tracker smartphone mobile App is free to download, and the use of the very basic service feature and functionality is free of charge. The App will contain in-App purchases, please note that many of the service features and functionalities will be available by subscription only. You will find more information about the Service features and functionalities as they will be introduced, and their availability in our website www.act-tracker.com

      WHAT ARE THE SERVICE FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITIES AVAILABLE?
      At this time, the features and functionalities include the following:

      1. IMPACT INFORMATION
      Impact information is displayed in the App with a numerical value (g-force), and as a graph. Graphical illustration on the Impact information can be accessed by tapping on an impact on the profile’s impact history. Each impact also has an index number and a time stamp on it, which tells when the impact was recorded to the system. Read more about the impacts in “Why you should measure” and “Some reading we suggest”.


      2. IMPACT HISTORY
      A profile’s impact history is a record of impacts, combining impacts from all the sensors added on a profile. It can be accessed in the App by tapping on the desired profile and the green button next to the text “Impact history” on the profile page. The last impact recorded is displayed on the top of the list. Please note, that the head sensor can store about 40 impacts in it. Make sure to connect the App with the head sensor regularly to transfer all the data from the head sensor to keep your impact information from disappearing. 

      3. COMING SOON: BROWSER ACCESS

      Users can access their information via internet using their computer’s browser to import all user data for further analysis. Access to Browser Access by clicking “Browser Access for Premium Users” link in the bottom of this page.
      This feature is not available yet.

      IMPORTANT NOTICE! This is the current status of service features, functionalities, and their availability (introduction and launch period).  We reserve all rights to make any changes to these service features and functionalities, to any and all future service features and functionalities, on their availability and accessibility in any upcoming App updates and/or versions. We reserve all rights to make any current or future service feature and functionality available on subscription only.

      WHAT IF I’M OUTSIDE THE DATA COVERAGE / PHONE HAS NO RECEPTION?
      If you are outside the mobile network reach, have no coverage or connection to the mobile data or Wi-Fi, ACT Head Impact Tracker will not function as intended. The head sensor can save around 45 (versions 1.0 and 1.1, purchased before 15th of November 2022) or 464 (version 1.2 purchased on 15th of November 2022 or later) impacts to it, which can be downloaded by the App later, but the near-real-time delivery of the impact information in the App is disabled. 

      IF MY PHONE WITH APP BREAKS WHEN I FALL, DOES ACT HEAD IMPACT TRACKER STILL FUNCTION?
      If your smartphone with the App breaks ACT Head Impact Tracker will not function as intended. The head sensor can save around 45 (versions 1.0 and 1.1, purchased before 15th of November 2022) or 464 (version 1.2 purchased on 15th of November 2022 or later) impacts to it, which can be downloaded by the App later, but the near-real-time delivery of the impact information is not possible if the phone is broken. 

      WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY MY APPLICATION BEING PART OF THE SYSTEM AND MY MOBILE DATA MAY BE USED?
      Your ACT Head Impact Tracker application is part of system, where information flow from the head sensors to the cloud takes place. We aim to ensure that information is moving as swiftly as possible. This is why use of mobile data on your mobile device with the application may occur at any time when ACT Head Impact Tracker head sensors are used within the data transfer's reach. If you do not wish to be part of the system, turn Bluetooth off on your mobile device, or turn off the mobile data. 

       

      MEDICAL / CONCUSSION RELATED QUESTIONS

      WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

      “Concussion” is a form of brain damage caused by physical force ono the head. There are different levels of concussion, ranging from very mild and transient (i.a. temporary and short-lasting) symptoms to cases where permanent disability or even death follow.

      WHAT CAUSES A CONCUSSION?

      Physical force onto the head, which causes acceleration or deceleration that damages the structures or texture of the brain.

      WHAT CAN HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF A CONCUSSION?

      Violent trauma may cause for example contusions and hemorrhages or shearing of the brain tissue, and fractures of the skull. A concussion leads to a cascade of pathological events. Immediate disturbance of brain cells (e.g. electrolyte imbalance), changes in the chemistry of the brain due e.g.  inappropriate release of the substances (neurotransmitters) which the brain cells use to communicate with each other. These changes may coincide with e.g. loss of consciousness, convulsions, nausea, vomiting and headache. Also, alterations in the higher intellectual functions (cognitive dysfunction), such as disorientation and memory disturbance are common. An inflammatory reaction usually follows, especially after more violent concussions.

      HOW IS CONCUSSION DIAGNOSED?

      Symptom checklists are very useful aids for follow-up and should be used always, even if medical professionals take care of the follow-up.
      Brain imagining (MRI and CT) is not required routinely. Imagining is required in more severe traumas, but the decision is always made by a doctor.

      WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW HOW HARD THE IMPACT WAS?

      The more forceful the impact is, the more likely is brain damage.
      It is useful to know if the impact  was of a dangerous levels. There is no clear consensus of a clear-cut danger limit of acceleration as expressed in g-force. In many studies acceleration/deceleration under 40 g have been considered likely not to cause permanent damage, but the probability of permanent damage starts to increase in impacts of 40-60 g and higher.

      It is important to keep in mind, that mild traumas may have very serious effects. Sometimes (even after a negligible trauma), patients may be almost symptomless for hours, but rapidly develop a lethal increase of intracranial pressure. These are known as “Patients who talk and die”. This is the reason, why a person with concussion must never be left alone or sent home without company.

      WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE HAD CONSECUTIVE IMPACTS ON THE HEAD?

      Current studies have shown, that repetitive hits on the head may have a cumulative negative effect on the brain. New concussions are particularly harmful, if the first concussion is not healed completely.

      WHAT/WHO DEFINES THE LEVEL OF THE IMPACT?

      There is very active research on concussion, especially sports concussion. Currently, the risk levels are extrapolated from published studies in scientific journals.

      ARE THE SAME LEVELS THAT ARE USED IN CRASH TESTS IN CAR INDUSTRY?
      No, because those tests use predetermined impact levels and they do not focus on concussion.

       More information on some of the studies on the subject you can find in a document “Some reading we suggest”, on our website www.act-tracker.com