brainQuant detection of white matter changes on diffusion MRI linked to head injuries in professional soccer players
Official title: Pilot Study Evaluating brainQuant's Ability to Detect Alterations in White Matter in Diffusion MRI, Indicative of Post-traumatic Lesions
Run by University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT07302503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 32 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Strasbourg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 10, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 2028 |
| Study ends | March 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07302503 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using F-18 Flornaptitril PET scans to see brain protein patterns in people with MCI from suspected CTE or Alzheimer's
This study will test whether F-18 Flornaptitril PET scans can predict clinical worsening in people with mild cognitive impairment suspected to be due to chronic traumatic encephalopathy or Alzheimer's disease.
-
Examining brain function decline in professional athletes after concussions
This study is trying to see how repeated concussions affect brain function in retired professional athletes and what that might mean for their long-term health.
-
Treatment for neurologic disorders using stem cells
This study is testing whether using stem cells from patients' own bone marrow can help improve brain and nerve function in people with serious neurologic disorders that don't respond well to regular treatments.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.