Concussion (Diagnosis), Hockey Player, Sport-related Concussion
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to better understand how head impacts during ice hockey affect the brain and body, especially in young athletes. Even when players do not show clear signs of concussion, these repeated impacts may cause subtle changes in the brain's structure and in how the body regulates basic functions, such as heart rhythm and attention. This study will follow elite junior ice hockey players over the course of one full season to better understand the effects of repeated head impacts. Using a small helmet sensor (Bearmind) and video analysis, researchers will record and analyze every head impact that occurs during games and practices. Three times during the season - before, mid-season, and after - players will complete assessments of heart rate variability (using Polar H10 monitors) and a dual-task test that measures attention and coordination. After any diagnosed concussion, players will be reassessed with both heart rate variability and dual-task testing at 3 days post-injury. Following that, dual-task testing alone will be repeated every 3 days until return to sport. Players who experience a severe head impact, as detected by the helmet sensor, will also be evaluated 3 days after the impact with both heart rate variability and dual-task testing, even if no concussion symptoms are present. By combining these measures, the study aims to detect early physiological and cognitive changes following head impacts, improve understanding of sub-concussive effects, and support better prevention and management strategies for young athletes.
Interventions
DEVICEHead impact monitoring
Players wear a helmet-mounted sensor (Bearmind) during games and practices to record and quantify head impacts.
OTHERHeart rate variability monitoring
Players wear a Polar H10 heart rate monitor to measure heart rate variability at designated times during the season. HRV is assessed pre-, mid-, and post-season, and again 3 days after a diagnosed concussion or sever head impact to evaluate autonomic nervous system responses.
OTHERDual-task cognitive and motor assessment
Players perform a dual-task test combining cognitive and motor activities while wearing a chest-mounted sensor to capture movement and performance metrics. Assessments are conducted pre-, mid-, and post-season, 3 days after a concussion or severe impact , and every 3 days until return to sport after a concussion.
Sponsors
INSERM UMR U1075 Comète GIP Cyceron, unicaen, Caen Normandie
University Hospital, Caen
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
13 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Licensed athletes from the Hockey Club of Caen, playing in the U15 or U18 teams.
Exclusion criteria
* Inability of the participant or their legal representative to receive study information or comply with study requirements. * Participant or legal representative cannot be reached (in person, by phone, or by email) during the sports season. * Refusal of the participant or their legal representative to participate in the study.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Head impact exposure | Continuously throughout one full competitive season during all games and practices (up to 9 months) | Head impacts will be recorded using the Bearmind helmet-mounted sensor during all games and practices over the competitive season. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Heart rate variability (HRV) using a 12-minute protocol | At baseline, at mid-season (14 weeks from baseline), at end of season (up to 9 months from baseline), and within 5 days following a diagnosed concussion or severe head impact. | HRV will be measured with the Polar H10 monitor during a standardized 12-minute protocol including three phases: resting (5 min), standing (5 min), and isometric contraction (2 min). Measures will assess autonomic nervous system responses at baseline, mid-season, post-season, and post-injury. |
| Dual-task cognitive and motor performance | At baseline, at mid-season (14 weeks from baseline), at end of season (up to 9 months from baseline), and within 5 days following a diagnosed concussion or severe head impact. | A dual-task test combining cognitive and motor activities will be performed while players wear a chest-mounted sensor to capture movement accuracy and reaction metrics. |
| Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT6) score | At baseline, and at 1 day and 4 days post-injury following a diagnosed concussion or severe head impact. | The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-6 (SCAT6) will be used to evaluate concussion-related symptoms, cognitive function, and balance. Assessments will be administered under standardized conditions to monitor baseline values and post-injury recovery. |
Countries
France
Outcome results
None listed