Risk-factors for long-term neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated subconcussive head impact exposure Nervous System Diseases
Conditions
Interventions
Each participant will undergo two conditions (Heading and Control) separated by at least 7 days. In the heading condition, participants will perform a controlled series of 10 rotational football heade
Sponsors
University of Stirling
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Healthy adult football players that participate in footballing activity of a regular basis (at least once a week) 2. Confirm to normally head the ball in football practice or match scenarios
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Neurological or psychiatric conditions 2. Are currently taking or in withdrawal of recreational drugs or certain prescribed drugs 3. Consumption of >3u alcohol in the 24 hours prior to testing (self-reported) 4. Excessive intake of caffeinated drink in the hours prior to assessment (self-reported) 5. Recently (i.e. less than 6 months prior to testing) experienced trauma to the head (concussion, loss of senses, any type of brain injury) 6. Position the individual plays in the squad (goalkeepers and players who do not regularly head the ball are not eligible to take part)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Plasma concentration of Neurofilament Light (NfL), Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), and Brain-Derived Tau (BD-Tau) measured using the Quanterix Simoa Neurology 4-plex D assay on a Simoa HD-X Analyzer at pre-determined timepoints (pre-heading [baseline] and post-30 min, 2 h, 4 h, and 24 h) in the Heading session and matched timepoints in the Control condition. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Near Point of Convergence (NPC) measured using an accommodative ruler at Pre-heading and at 0 h, 30 min, 2 h, 4 h, and 24 h post-intervention 2. Symptom evaluation and cognitive function measured using the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT6) at Pre-heading and 0h, and 24 h post-intervention 3. Linear and rotational head acceleration measured at each head impact during the Heading condition. 4. Anthropometric measures (height, weight, neck circumference, head circumference, grip strength) measured using standardised equipment at a familiarisation session 5. Finite Element Head Model (FEHM) estimates of brain tissue strain and stress derived from recorded impact kinematics for each heading impact during the Heading condition | — |
Countries
Scotland, United Kingdom
Contacts
Public ContactMagdalena;Syed Ali Ietswaart;Muqtadir
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Outcome results
None listed