Assessing brain health in retired professional football players
Prevalence of Brain Health Versus Neurodegeneration in Former Professional Football Players
This study is trying to see how playing professional football affects brain health in retired players compared to others who didn't play football.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 29 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT04708613 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the prevalence of brain health among retired professional football players compared to matched controls. It involves comprehensive assessments including cognitive and neuropsychological testing, vestibular and ocular-motor evaluations, sleep assessments, and MRI scans. The study focuses on understanding the impact of traumatic brain injury on cognitive, neuromotor, and behavioral functions in these individuals. By gathering clinical, neuroimaging, and biomarker data, the study seeks to provide insights into the long-term effects of playing professional football.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include retired professional football players aged 29-59 who have played at least three seasons and matched male controls with a high school education or higher.
Not a fit: Patients who have played organized football beyond high school or have a history of severe traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of brain health issues in former professional athletes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in assessing brain health in athletes, but this specific approach focusing on retired football players is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Former professional football player/exposed group: 1. Professional football retiree aged 29-59 2. Played a minimum of 3 professional football seasons, with a minimum of 3 games in each season 3. Fluent in English (translations are not available/validated for most neuropsychological tests) Control/unexposed group: 1. Age 29-59 male 2. High school education or beyond 3. Fluent in English (translations are not available/validated for most neuropsychological tests) Exclusion criteria: Control/unexposed group: 1. Played organized football beyond high school 2. History of severe TBI 3. Current unstable cardiovascular disorder For both groups: 1. Prior history of psychosis (such as schizophrenia), or other major neurological disorder that would interfere with testing, in the opinion of the primary investigator. 2. Contraindication to MR imaging, such as ferrous metal, pacemakers, or concerns about claustrophobia
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurosurgery — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David O Okonkwo, MD, PhD — University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery
- Study coordinator: Kathryn L Edelman, MS
- Email: dunfeekl@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-624-1077
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.