Repetitive Head Impact, Selective Head and Neck Cooling
Conditions
Brief summary
Young, healthy elite boxers ≥ 18 years old are recruited. Prior to, and immediately after a competitive boxing bout over 3x2 or 3x3 minutes, blood samples are drawn. Boxers are randomized to intervention or control management by 1:1 allocation prior to baseline testing. After the initial post-fight blood sample is drawn and symptom rating using the sports concussion assessment tool-5 (SCAT-5) has been collected, the boxers receive either acute selective head-and-neck cooling for 45 min, or routine post-fight management. The number of head impacts are counted in all boxers on match video recordings. In both groups, blood samples are drawn 45 minutes after the initial post-bout blood sample, as well as 3 and 6 days post-fight.
Interventions
DEVICEPolarCap System
The PolarCap Coolant flows through a silicone-based head cap. An insulating neoprene cover is put on top of the cap to isolate the cold. Using PolarCap system to selective head and neck cooling for 45 minutes post fight in boxing.
Sponsors
Region Skane
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE (Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
The PolarCap System consists of a high-powered portable cooling system, designed to reduce brain temperature by controlled cooling of the scalp and neck with a circulating coolant (PolarCap Coolant, PolarCool AB, Lund, Sweden). The coolant is maintained at 0°C and flows through a silicone-based head cap. An insulating neoprene cover is put on top of the cap for isolation.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Male and female elite boxers ≥18 years old 2. Cleared for participation by the medical staff of the Swedish Boxing Association. 3. Informed consent by each participant prior to the competitive event 4. No boxing fights or match sparring during the initial 6 days after their last boxing fight 5. Signed informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
1. \>40 years old or \<18 years old 2. Participation in competitive fights, match-sparring or any training causing additional head impacts during the first six post-fight days after being included in the study. 3. History of autoimmune neurological diseases or a neurodegenerative disorder. 4. History of previous traumatic brain injury resulting in an intracranial haemorrhage.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Selective head-and-neck cooling in boxing attenuates the release of brain injury biomarkers such as NFL and GFAP post fight. | 6 days | NFL (Neurofilament light), GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Selective head-and-neck cooling improves symptom rating post fight in boxing, using the Sports Concussion Assessment tool- 5 (SCAT-5). | 6 days |
Countries
Sweden
Contacts
Primary ContactAli Al-Husseini, Medical doctor, phd stud
Outcome results
None listed