The data showed the average forces of a soccer-ball header were similar to those exerted on the head by punches from amateur boxers, according to Daniel Plant, a researcher in Imperial's department of mechanical engineering, who presented the data Friday at a helmet-safety science conference at the university.

WSJ: Soccer 'Header' Impact Likened to Hard Punch

The comparison between the gridiron and a war zone becomes even more similar now, as the NFL is looking into implementing the same helmet sensors the Army uses to gather data on head trauma after impact, according to the Stars and Stripes, an independent news source of the military.

FORBES: NFL to Follow Army's Lead on Helmet Sensors in Attempt to Prevent Head Injury

In studies with soccer balls, there was little difference with or without headgear, and in the case of one type of headgear, there was evidence the force on the head was greater when a helmet was worn than when not, according to the data.

WSJ: Soccer 'Header' Impact Likened to Hard Punch

First, its flexible design measures the impact on a wearer's head, as opposed to the impact on a helmet, which -- according to Kacyvenski -- means that the data it provides is more relevant and accurate than competing systems.

ENGADGET: Reebok and mc10 team up to build CheckLight, a head impact indicator (hands-on)

The systems include laser scanners, haptic handles and gloves, a vibrating seat, lights, smart helmet-cameras and radar as well as a pannier full of the electronics that analyse data gathered by the sensors and pump out warnings.

BBC: Motorbikes 'to get safe driving aids'