University of Pittsburgh Brain Health Initiative

Launched by DAVID OKONKWO, MD, PHD · Jan 13, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The University of Pittsburgh Brain Health Initiative is a clinical trial that aims to understand how traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may affect the brain health of former professional football players. The study will compare the cognitive and behavioral functions of retired football players with those of men who have not played professional football. Researchers will use various tests and imaging techniques to gather information on participants' brain health.

To be considered for the study, former players must be between 29 and 59 years old and have played at least three seasons of professional football. The control group, made up of men who have not played organized football beyond high school, must also be within the same age range and fluent in English. Participants will undergo a variety of assessments, which may include interviews and brain scans, to help researchers learn more about the long-term effects of playing professional football on brain health. It's important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions or a history of severe brain injuries may not be eligible to participate.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility 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