How head impacts in college football affect concussions and health outcomes

Influence of the College Football Athletes' Cumulative Head Impact Exposure (HIE) on the mTBI incidence and post-mTBI health outcomes

NIH-funded research Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11040343

This study looks at how repeated head impacts in college football players might affect their chances of getting concussions, aiming to help make the sport safer and improve care for athletes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTrustees of Indiana University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bloomington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11040343 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between cumulative head impact exposure in college football athletes and the incidence of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), such as concussions. By analyzing data from large-scale studies, the project aims to understand how repeated head impacts may influence athletes' health outcomes after experiencing a concussion. The study will utilize advanced biomechanical measurements to assess the severity and frequency of head impacts, providing valuable insights into injury risk and recovery. This research seeks to improve safety protocols and health management for athletes in contact sports.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are college football players who have experienced head impacts during their athletic careers.

Not a fit: Patients who do not participate in contact sports or have not experienced head impacts may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and treatment options for concussions in college athletes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of head impacts on concussion risk, indicating that this approach is building on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Bloomington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.