About HIT IQ PROTEQT

Congratulations on purchasing HIT IQ PROTEQT.

Welcome to our innovative concussion management ecosystem!

Designed to revolutionise concussion management and athlete safety through innovative, user-friendly, multimodal solutions that empower every sportsperson, regardless of their level of play, to confidently compete at their best while safeguarding their long-term health.

Let’s play with confidence!

The PROTEQT Mouthguard is designed to be worn during contact sports—such as rugby, football, and martial arts—to protect the teeth and oral structures from injury.

Powered by Impact IQ technology, the PROTEQT system provides an end-to-end solution to help users Detect, Assess, and Manage potential head impacts:

• Detect. The mouthguard continuously monitors and records head impacts in real time, capturing data on force, frequency, and location.
• Assess. Impact data is transmitted to the PROTEQT App, where users are guided through in-app symptom assessments for immediate sideline evaluation.
• Manage. If an impact is assessed as significant—based on the app’s industry-leading Damage Severity Index (DSI)—users are directed to ConneQt, PROTEQT’s secure, web-based Concussion Management Hub. There, they can log incident details, track symptoms, and book a Telehealth consultation with a concussion-trained medical provider.

HIT IQ DAMAGE Explainer Document: www.hitiq.com/proteqt/dsi   (see tip_damage_description - Google Docs)

Together, the PROTEQT Mouthguard, App, and ConneQt platform deliver a connected, clinically informed approach to concussion care and recovery.

How old do you need to be to have a HIT IQ PROTEQT account?

• In order to be a HIT IQ PROTEQT account holder you need to be at least 16 years of age.

How old do you need to be to use PROTEQT Mouthguard?

• You must be at least 12 years of age to wear a PROTEQT Mouthguard.

What devices is HIT IQ PROTEQT compatible with?

• HIT IQ PROTEQT works with both iOS and Android devices. You can download the PROTEQT app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, depending on your device.

iOS Compatibility:

• iPhone XR / XS or newer
• Running iOS 16 or later
• iPads (2019 models or newer) running iPadOS 17 or later
  
  

Android Compatibility:

• Most Android smartphones from the last 3–4 years
• Running Android 10 or later

Why do I need to give permission for the app to use Bluetooth?

• When launching the app for the first time, you’ll be asked to allow Bluetooth access. This is essential for the app to communicate with your PROTEQT Mouthguard. If Bluetooth permission is denied, key features—like device connection and data syncing—won’t function properly. We require selecting “Allow” to ensure the best experience.

How do I create a PROTEQT Account?

1. Download and open the HIT IQ PROTEQT App.
2. Review and accept the terms and conditions.
       Note: HIT IQ PROTEQT account holders must be 16 years or older, or have parent/guardian permission.

Note: Bluetooth Permissions

When launching the app for the first time, you’ll be asked to allow Bluetooth access. This is essential for the app to communicate with your PROTEQT Mouthguard. If Bluetooth permission is denied, key features—like device connection and data syncing—won’t function properly. We recommend selecting “Allow” to ensure the best experience.

3. Select Sign In with HIT IQ to proceed.
4. Tap Sign Up and enter your email, name, and create a secure password.

‍What is a head impact?

• In the context of sport, a head impact or head acceleration event (HAE) refers to any physical force or blow that is delivered to the head, face, or body that causes the head to move suddenly or violently. These impacts can result from direct contact—such as a collision with another player, the ground, or sports equipment—or indirect forces, like whiplash or head motion due to body impact, that cause the brain to move inside the skull.

Not all head impacts result in a concussion, but they are a key risk factor for head injuries and can vary in severity. Monitoring head impacts is especially important in contact sports like rugby, football, hockey, or martial arts, where repeated or high-force impacts can increase the risk of concussion or cumulative brain injury over time.

How do you determine if a head impact is severe?

• PROTEQT assesses head impact severity using the Damage Severity Index (DSI), a metric developed from the DAMAGE metric and other related research. The DAMAGE metric (Diffuse Axonal Multi-Axis General Evaluation (DAMAGE)), estimates brain strain using rotational head kinematics such as those recorded by your PROTEQT Mouthguard.

DSI is calculated by analyzing data from your PROTEQT Mouthguard, which records real-time head impact information. The resulting score ranges from 0 to 100, indicating the severity of the impact relative to various sports contexts.​

If the DSI score reaches 75 or higher, the PROTEQT App will trigger an alert, prompting the player to complete an in-app symptom assessment. This process helps identify potential signs of concussion and supports timely decision-making regarding player safety.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10439-018-02179-9

Gabler, L.F., Crandall, J.R. & Panzer, M.B. Development of a Second-Order System for Rapid Estimation of Maximum Brain Strain. Ann Biomed Eng 47, 1971–1981 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-018-02179-9

How long does the PROTEQT Mouthguard hold charge?

• The PROTEQT Mouthguard, if fully charged, will record for up to 4 hours.

How long does it take to charge the PROTEQT Mouthguard?

• The PROTEQT Mouthguard charges wirelessly when placed correctly in its case, taking approximately 90 minutes to reach a full charge from empty. The charge case stays powered for 90 minutes to support a complete charging cycle before automatically switching off.

How long will my PROTEQT Mouthguard last?

• Product Life
  The lifespan of your PROTEQT Mouthguard depends on how often and intensely it's used. Under typical conditions, it’s designed to last around one year, accounting for general wear and tear or changes to your dental anatomy.

If the mouthguard no longer fits comfortably, or if you notice signs of damage such as cracking, delamination, or material breakdown, it should be replaced.

Please note: the mouthguard is not user-serviceable. If you experience a malfunction, contact HIT IQ Support for assistance.

How do I turn the PROTEQT Charge Case off?

• The PROTEQT Charge Case automatically powers off after 90 minutes to allow for a full charging cycle. The power button on the underside of the case is used to turn the case on, but there is no manual option to power it off. Simply allow it to run its cycle—after 90 minutes, it will shut off automatically.

How long does the PROTEQT Charge Case take to charge?

• Using the supplied USB cable and power adapter, the PROTEQT Charge Case takes up to 8 hours to fully charge when starting from a very low battery level. In typical use, you’re unlikely to experience the full 8-hour charge time, as most users recharge the case before it's completely drained.

Important: Charging times may vary if you use a different USB adapter. Using lower-powered adapters can extend charging time to up to 24 hours, so we strongly recommend using the provided adapter for optimal performance.

How often do I need to charge the PROTEQT Charge Case?

• The PROTEQT Charge Case holds enough power to deliver up to four full mouthguard charges before it needs to be recharged. We recommend monitoring the case's battery level using the LED indicators to ensure it's ready when you need it.

To check the battery level, refer to the Battery Level Indicator—the third LED from left to right inside the case:

• Red: Less than 25% battery remaining
• Amber/Orange: 25% to 75% battery capacity
• Green: Over 75% battery capacity

We recommend checking the LED before each use to ensure your case has sufficient charge.

How do I pair the PROTEQT mouthguard with the app?

Creating a player profile links your PROTEQT Mouthguard to its user.

Step 1: Add a New Player

• First-time user:
  From the Home Screen, tap “Add New Player” in the center of the screen.

• Adding additional players:
  
  • Tap the player icon in the top-right corner of the Home Screen and select “Add Player”,
  • OR navigate to Settings > Manage Player > Add Player (bottom of the screen).

Step 2: Enter Player Details

• Fill in the required information:
  
  • Name
  • Year of birth
  • Sport type

Step 3: Follow Onboarding

• Continue through the guided onboarding steps, which offer helpful tips for using your PROTEQT Mouthguard effectively.

‍

Step 4: Register the Mouthguard

• Locate the unique serial number (SN) printed inside the PROTEQT Mouthguard.
• Ensure the mouthguard is switched on and within Bluetooth range.
• Enter the serial number into the app and tap “Register”.
• The app will confirm when the mouthguard has successfully connected to the player profile.

What is the in-App assessment?

• The in-app assessment is a guided tool within the PROTEQT App designed to help evaluate symptoms following a significant head impact.

It begins with a severe symptom screen—if any red flag symptoms are present (such as loss of consciousness, vomiting, or worsening headache), the app will advise immediate medical attention.

If no severe symptoms are detected, the user proceeds to a 22-question symptom checklist, where common concussion-related symptoms (e.g., headache, dizziness, nausea) are rated on a scale from 0 (none) to 6 (severe). This checklist is adapted from the SCAT6 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6), the current gold-standard tool used at the elite level of sport worldwide (Echemendia et al., 2023), ensuring clinical relevance and reliability.

Results from the assessment help determine whether the player may return to play or should seek further medical evaluation. If abnormal scores are returned, the user will be prompted to log the incident and offered access to ConneQt—PROTEQT’s integrated concussion management hub for further support and Telehealth access.

Reference:
Echemendia, R. J., Meeuwisse, W., McCrory, P., Davis, G. A., Putukian, M., Herring, S. A., & Iverson, G. L. (2023). Sport Concussion Assessment Tool – 6th Edition (SCAT6). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(12), 695–702.

Why should I complete the symptom assessment?

• Completing the symptom assessment is a crucial step in understanding how a head impact may have affected you or your player. The assessment helps detect early signs of a concussion—some of which may not be obvious right away.

By guiding you through a structured symptom checklist (adapted from the SCAT6, the gold standard used in elite sports), the PROTEQT App provides an evidence-based way to evaluate head trauma. If any red flag or abnormal symptoms are identified, the app will recommend appropriate next steps—such as seeking medical attention or accessing Telehealth support through ConneQt.

Early assessment helps reduce the risk of returning to play too soon and supports safer recovery outcomes. Even if symptoms seem minor, completing the assessment builds a valuable record for monitoring and managing player wellbeing over time.

When should I complete the symptom assessment?

• You should complete the symptom assessment as soon as possible after any head impact that triggers a DSI alert in the PROTEQT App (Damage Severity Index score ≥ 75) or if you suspect a head injury—regardless of whether a device alert occurs.

The earlier you assess symptoms, the more accurate and helpful the results will be in guiding your next steps. Completing the assessment immediately post-incident helps monitor changes over time and supports safer decision-making around return to play or further evaluation.

Even if no symptoms are felt right away, some effects of concussion can be delayed—so we always recommend completing the in-app assessment after significant impacts or whenever you feel “not quite right.”

Can I see my own GP or should I use ConneQt?

• Yes, you can absolutely choose to see your own GP or healthcare provider. ConneQt is designed to provide fast, convenient access to concussion-trained Qualified Doctors via Telehealth—especially when your regular doctor isn't immediately available.

Using ConneQt ensures your provider has access to your incident log and symptom assessments directly from the PROTEQT system, helping streamline the clinical review process. However, all your information is also accessible to you, so you're welcome to share it with your GP or any clinician of your choice.

The goal is to make sure you receive timely and informed care—whether through ConneQt or your preferred medical provider.

I want to delete my PROTEQT account?

• To delete your PROTEQT Account, contact HIT IQ Support via the “Submit a ticket” form on our website HERE

What do the results from my in-app symptom assessment mean?

The in-app symptom Assessment uses questions from the SCAT6 a tool widely used in clinical settings and professional sports to assess concussion symptoms. Your results are shown in two ways:

• Number of symptoms: This tells you how many symptoms your child reported (for example, 7 out of 22).
• Symptom severity score: This is the total of how intense those symptoms were, rated out of 132.

A higher number or score means the athlete/player is experiencing more or stronger symptoms. This information helps track how they're feeling over time, but it's not a diagnosis. If symptoms persist or get worse, it's important to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

In time, HIT IQ will look to build out valuable information and data, offering you greater insights into the technology as they become available.