Trauma, Brain
Conditions
Keywords
mTBI, Biomechanics, Military Training
Brief summary
The SNIPER-TBI study aims to identify and quantify the risk of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in soldiers of the Czech Armed Forces during specific high-risk training activities, including parachute jumps, high-caliber firearms shooting, artillery blasts, and Close Quarters Battle (CQB) exercises. The study will utilize both diagnostic biomarker analysis and experimental biomechanical measurements to assess the physiological impact of these activities on brain health. The ultimate goal is to reduce mTBI incidence, improve operational readiness, and extend the active service duration of soldiers through targeted preventive measures.
Detailed description
The SNIPER-TBI study aims to quantify the risk of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in Czech Armed Forces soldiers during high-risk training activities, including parachute jumps, high-caliber firearms shooting, artillery blasts, and Close Quarters Battle (CQB) exercises. The study combines diagnostic biomarker analysis (GFAP, UCH-L1) and experimental biomechanical measurements using wearable sensors and high-speed cameras. These data will provide critical insights into the forces exerted on the brain during training and help establish exposure limits to minimize long-term neurological impairment. The results will guide the development of protective strategies and enhance soldier readiness.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTQuantification of mild trauma brain injury risk
Measure the incidence and severity of mTBI among soldiers engaged in high-risk training activities. (e.g. parachute jumps, high-caliber firearms shooting, artillery fire, explosions). Concentration of brain injury biomarkers (GFAP, UCH-L1) in blood samples collected within 24 hours post-exposure
OTHERBiomechanical Analysis of Head Impact Forces
Evaluate the mechanical forces experienced by soldiers during high-risk activities using wearable accelerometers and high-speed video analysis. Peak head acceleration (g-force) and pressure wave analysis during training activities.
Sponsors
Military University Hospital, Prague
Charles University, Czech Republic
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age 18-50 years * Active-duty military personnel * Participating in designated high-risk training activities
Exclusion criteria
* History of significant brain injury * Current neurological disorders * Use of anticoagulant medications
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Quantification of mTBI Risk 1 | Up to 24 hours post-exposure | Measure the severity of mTBI among soldiers engaged in high-risk training activity. Concentration of brain injury biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in blood sample collected within 24 hours post-exposure. Measured in nanogram per milliliter. |
| Quantification of mTBI Risk 2 | Up to 24 hours post-exposure | Measure the severity of mTBI among soldiers engaged in high-risk training activity. Concentration of brain injury biomarker ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) in blood sample collected within 24 hours post-exposure. Measured in nanogram per milliliter. |
| Biomechanical Analysis of Head Impact Forces 1 | Baseline | Evaluate the mechanical forces experienced by soldiers during high-risk activity using wearable accelerometers and high-speed video analysis. Peak head acceleration (g-force) will be measured during training activity. Measured in meters per second squared. |
| Biomechanical Analysis of Head Impact Forces 2 | Baseline | Evaluate the mechanical forces experienced by soldiers during high-risk activities using wearable accelerometers and high-speed video analysis. Pressure wave during training activity will be analyzed. Measures in Pascal. |
Countries
Czechia
Outcome results
None listed