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Concussion MildNCT06852300

Sport-Related Concussion Recovery in Athletes

An observational study of Concussion Mild and Concussion, Brain, run by University of Central Arkansas at 1 site in United States.

Enrolling by invitation

Enrolling by invitation. The study team selects and invites participants, usually from an existing group of patients.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this study is to enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of concussion evaluation by integrating traditional assessment tools with emerging neuroimaging technologies, such as Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 26 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Concussion Mild, Concussion, Brain
What is being tested?
Concussion Assessment Battery
Type of treatment
Medical device
How many people
1,000 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
11 Apr 2016to May 2030
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 26 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Study population: Participants will be recruited through university-affiliated sports medicine providers. When a student-athlete, including intramural sports participants, exhibits any signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a sport-related concussion, they will be removed from practice or competition by either a member of the coaching staff or the sports medicine staff. Upon confirmation of a concussion diagnosis by the medical staff, the concussed athlete will be selected as a study participant and will be required to follow the post-concussion protocol outlined by the participating institution, which adheres to NCAA standards. Whenever possible, control subjects will be recruited from the same team, other sports teams, and/or students at the participating university who meet the inclusion criteria.

Who may be able to join

  • Participants will be recruited from athletes who have sustained a concussion and/or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), as determined by a physical examination conducted by medical staff based on the established concussion definition: biomechnical forces, typically resulting from a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or elsewhere on the body with an impulsive force transmitted to the head.

Who cannot join

  • Current diagnosis of a psychiatric illness, attention deficit disorder, or learning disability.
  • Current use of psychoactive medications.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

United States1 site
  • University of Central Arkansas

    Conway, Arkansas, 72034

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Enhancing Concussion Assessment: A Multimodal Approach Using Neurocognitive Testing, Balance Evaluation, and Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy

The goal of this study is to enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of concussion evaluation by integrating traditional assessment tools with emerging neuroimaging technologies, such as Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). By systematically collecting data across multiple assessment domains-including sideline evaluations, neurocognitive testing, balance assessments, vestibular/ocular-motor screening (VOMS), and brain activity measurements-this study aims to improve the diagnostic process and ensure a safer return-to-play protocol for athletes recovering from sport-related concussions.

Research Questions:

Read more
  1. How do traditional concussion assessment tools (SCAT, computerized neurocognitive tests, balance tests, and VOMS) compare to fNIRS in detecting changes in brain function following a sport-related concussion?
  2. What is the relationship between pre-injury baseline measures, acute post- injury assessments, and recovery-phase evaluations in athletes diagnosed with a sport-related concussion?
  3. Can fNIRS improve the sensitivity and specificity of concussion diagnosis compared to existing clinical assessments?
  4. How do clinical symptoms, medical history, and other individual factors influence concussion recovery and return-to-play timelines?
  5. Does integrating fNIRS with traditional assessment tools enhance the ability to track recovery progression and inform return-to-play decisions?

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of concussion diagnosis and recovery while assessing the added value of fNIRS technology in improving clinical decision-making.

Read the detailed description
  1. Study Description This study aims to enhance the accuracy of concussion evaluation and improve return-to-play decisions for athletes recovering from sport-related concussions. By incorporating both traditional assessment tools and advanced neuroimaging technology, such as Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), this research seeks to refine how concussions are diagnosed and monitored.
  2. Who is Participating? College athletes will be recruited as part of their routine concussion baseline testing. Participants will include:
  • Athletes diagnosed with a sport-related concussion by healthcare providers.
  • Matched control athletes who have not sustained a concussion, assessed on the same schedule as concussed athletes.
  • Contact and non-contact sport athletes who have not experienced head injuries, tested before and after the season.
  1. How is the Study Conducted? Testing occurs at four key time points:
  • Pre-Season (Baseline): Athletes complete a series of tests to establish their normal cognitive and physical function before any injuries occur.
  • Post-Injury (Within 72 Hours and Asymptomatic): If an athlete sustains a concussion, they undergo assessments shortly after the injury to measure its immediate effects.
  • Return-to-Play: Once the athlete has completed the necessary recovery steps and is cleared to return to play, they are reassessed to evaluate their recovery progress.
  • Re-Baseline (Six Months Post-Injury): Concussed athletes undergo follow- up testing at least six months after the injury to assess long-term recovery and determine whether any persistent neurophysiological changes remain.
  1. What is Being Measured? This study utilizes a comprehensive concussion evaluation approach that includes:
  • Sideline assessments (e.g., Sports Concussion Assessment Tool [SCAT])
  • Computerized neurocognitive testing (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing)
  • Objective balance tests (NeuroCom VSR Sport)
  • Vestibular/Ocular-Motor Screening (VOMS)
  • Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure brain activity non-invasively
  • Clinical symptom tracking and medical history review
  1. Why is This Study Important? The data collected will contribute to a robust database aimed at improving concussion assessment methods. By integrating fNIRS with standard concussion tests, this research seeks to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve the ability to track recovery, and ensure a safer return to play for athletes. Additionally, the inclusion of a re-baseline assessment at six months post-injury will provide valuable insight into the long-term effects of concussion, informing future guidelines for concussion management. Ultimately, these findings could lead to more reliable tools for healthcare providers managing sport-related concussions.
Being tested
Concussion Assessment Battery
Medical subject headings
Brain Concussion

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Concussion Assessment BatteryDevice

    The conclusion test battery will comprise five assessment designed to evaluate sport-related concussion:

    1. Health Questionnaire - Including as assessment of signs and symptoms.
    2. Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT)
    3. Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS)
    4. Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT)
    5. Postural stability assessment (NeuroCom VSR Sport).

    Functional Neuroimaging Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technology that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood oxygenation. The NIRSIT scanner will be employed at each testing session to assess cognitive function using the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) and postural stability using the NeuroCom VSR Sport system.

Study groups in NCT06852300
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Concussed and Matched control PoolThe concussed group consists of collegiate athletes who have been diagnosed with a sport-related concussion by healthcare providers and meet the specified inclusion criteria. Injured participants will undergo testing within 72 hours of the injury and at predetermined time points post-concussion. Matched control participants will be assessed at the same time intervals as their injured counterparts to ensure comparability. The concussion test battery will comprise five assessments designed to evaluate sport-related concussion: 1. Health Questionnaire, 2. Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT), 3. Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) 4. Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), 5. Balance Assessment. Additionally, the NIRSIT scanner will be utilized at each testing session to assess cognitive function and brain activity through Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS).
Receives: Device: Concussion Assessment Battery
Pre-season and Post-Season Subject PoolParticipants will complete baseline concussion testing upon initiation into their intercollegiate athletic program. This group will consist of uninjured collegiate athletes from both contact and non-contact sports. Testing will be conducted at two time points: pre-season and post-season.
Receives: Device: Concussion Assessment Battery

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Prefrontal Cortex Activation during Neurocognitive Test using Functional Near- Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in Division-I Athletes following Sports-Related Concussion

    To compare prefrontal hemodynamic activation using fNIRS during the performance of a computerized ImPACT in a sample of concussed Division-I athletes tested within 72 hours post-injury compared to age-matched healthy subjects.

    Measured: From enrollment to 1 year after becoming asymptomatic.

  2. Prefrontal Cortex Activation During Postural Stability Testing Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in Division-I Athletes Following Sport-Related Concussion

    The purpose of this study is to examine prefrontal cortex activation during postural stability testing in Division-I athletes following a sport-related concussion using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

    Measured: From enrollment to 1 year after becoming asymptomatic

  3. Evaluating the Sensitivity and Specificity of a Multifaceted Concussion Assessment Battery: A Comparison with Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Outcomes

    Measured: From enrollment 1 year after becoming asymptomatic

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Enhancing Concussion Assessment Battery: Evaluating the Validity of Reliable Change Indices (RCI) in Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) using Machine Learning Approaches.

    Computerized neurocognitive tests like Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) are becoming more widely used by sports medicine professionals to evaluate concussions. A baseline ImPACT test is often recommended to help compare post-injury results, providing a more accurate picture of an athlete's cognitive function after a concussion. One method ImPACT uses to assess changes in cognitive function is the Reliable Change Index (RCI), which helps determine whether a difference in scores is meaningful. However, RCI has limitations, such as being less sensitive to real cognitive changes and the potential for misinterpretation. This study explores how machine learning approaches could improve the accuracy of concussion assessments using ImPACT scores.

    Measured: From enrollment 1 year after becoming asymptomatic

  2. Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) and Bifactor-ESEM analysis of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) symptom inventory.

    The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) includes a symptom inventory widely used to assess self-reported concussion symptoms in athletes. This study will only use the self-reported symptom scale from the ImPACT as the primary Outcome Measure, with no other sub-scores or assessments included. The ImPACT symptom scale includes 22 symptoms rated on a 0 to 6 severity scale, with 0 indicating no symptom and 6 indicating the most severe. The total symptom score, ranging from 0 to 132, will serve as the primary Outcome Measure. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity. This study will apply Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) and bifactor-ESEM to examine the factor structure, evaluate general and specific symptom dimensions, and improve the interpretability of ImPACT symptom scores for more accurate clinical assessments.

    Measured: From enrollment 1 year after becoming asymptomatic

  3. Neurocognitive Composite Scores and Symptom Scale Scores from the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT): Traditional vs Remote Administration

    ImPACT is a widely utilized tool for assessing the cognitive function of collegiate athletes. Previous research has demonstrated that cognitive performance may vary depending on the environment in which concussion assessments are conducted.

    The ImPACT test battery consists of the following components administered in sequential order: (1) Demographics, (2) Symptom Scale, (3) Word Memory, (4) Design Memory, (5) X's and O's, (6) Symbol Match, (7) Color Match, (8) Three Letters, (9) Word Memory Delayed Recall, and (10) Design Memory Delayed Recall. All tests are automatically scored by the software.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, many student-athletes transitioned from traditional, in-person concussion assessments to remote, at-home testing. This study aims to determine whether remote testing yields results comparable to traditional testing, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of concussion assessments regardless of the testing environment.

    Measured: From enrollment 1 year after becoming asymptomatic

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted28 Feb 2025
  2. Study start11 Apr 2016
  3. Primary completion1 May 2030 (estimated)
  4. Study completionMay 2030 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
1,000 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06852300
Sponsor's protocol ID
ERI19-141
Status last verified
Nov 2024
First submitted
11 Feb 2025
Last updated
6 Mar 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Concussion Mild and Concussion, Brain, run by University of Central Arkansas at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Prefrontal Cortex Activation during Neurocognitive Test using Functional Near- Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in Division-I Athletes following Sports-Related Concussion (time frame: From enrollment to 1 year after becoming asymptomatic.). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Mar 2025.

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