brainQuant detection of white matter changes on diffusion MRI linked to head injuries in professional soccer players
Pilot Study Evaluating brainQuant's Ability to Detect Alterations in White Matter in Diffusion MRI, Indicative of Post-traumatic Lesions
We will test whether brainQuant can spot white matter changes on diffusion MRI that might indicate past head injuries in professional soccer players near retirement.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 32 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Strasbourg) |
| Trial ID | NCT07302503 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study uses diffusion MRI and the brainQuant software to look for microstructural white matter changes that could reflect post‑traumatic lesions in men aged 32–60. Participants include professional soccer players nearing the end of their careers or recently retired, together with a comparison group of men without regular exposure to contact sports. Imaging will be performed at the University Hospital Strasbourg and analyzed for subradiological abnormalities correlated with reported exposure and cognitive findings. No experimental treatment is given; the aim is to characterize detectable brain changes that could inform monitoring or prevention strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men aged 32–60 who are professional soccer players nearing retirement or recently retired, plus male controls who have not regularly played contact sports exposing them to head trauma.
Not a fit: Women, people outside the 32–60 age range, or individuals without a history of repetitive head impacts are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this study's findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enable earlier detection of post‑traumatic white matter lesions in soccer players and support targeted monitoring or preventive measures.
How similar studies have performed: Prior diffusion MRI and automated image‑analysis studies have detected microstructural changes after repetitive head impacts, but use of brainQuant specifically in professional soccer players is relatively novel and limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male subject * Aged 32 to 60 years inclusive * Professional footballer nearing the end of their career or recently retired, or subject who has never regularly participated in sports that expose them to head trauma (particularly rugby, basketball, handball, American football, hockey, combat sports, etc.) Exclusion Criteria: \- Subject who expressed their opposition to participating in the study
Where this trial is running
Strasbourg
- Service d'Imagerie 2 - Réanimation - CHU de Strasbourg - France — Strasbourg, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stéphane KREMER, MD, PhD
- Email: stephane.kremer@chru-strasbourg.fr
- Phone: 33 3 88 12 78 48
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.