CompletedNot Applicable

Heading in Football: Impact on Neural Blood Biomarkers

Netherlands335 participantsStarted 2024-08-13

Plain-language summary

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the safety of heading in football. We will study the release of biomarkers in blood that reflect microscopic neural damage. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does participation in a football match lead to a change in biomarkers that reflect microscopic neural damage? * Is the dose of exposure during a football match related to the magnitude of change in biomarkers that reflect microscopic neural damage? Participants will participate in a regular football match and provide blood samples before and right after the football match. The football match will be recorded on video to count the number of headers of all participants.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Member of the KNVB; * 18 years or older; * Male * Self-reported fitness to play 70-90 minutes (absence of injury). Exclusion Criteria: * Sustained a head injury in the last year; * History or current neurological condition; * Regular participation in other contact sports (e.g. rugby, American football, ice hockey, fighting sports); * (Former) military personnel with a history of fighting/blast exposure

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1This study measured a blood protein called neurofilament light protein after heading in football — can you explain what elevated levels of that protein might actually mean for long-term brain health, and whether it's a clinically meaningful marker I should know about?
2Since this trial is already completed, would it be worth asking the researchers or my doctor whether the published results show any concerning trends in brain biomarkers from routine heading, even without a diagnosed concussion?
3The study looked at heading in football as a potential contributor to neurodegeneration and CTE — given that connection, should I be discussing any history of heading or head impacts I've had with you as part of my current evaluation?
4This was a research study rather than a treatment trial, so it doesn't offer any intervention — are there existing standard-of-care options or monitoring approaches my care team recommends for someone concerned about cumulative head impact exposure?
5Since the trial focused on 'minor' head injury and mild concussion rather than severe trauma, does that mean the risks being studied here could apply to people who never felt seriously hurt, and is that something we should factor into my care plan?'

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Concentration of serum neurofilament light protein

Timeframe: T0 (<1hour pre-match), T1 (<1hour post-match), T2 (<48hour post-match)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06147596

SponsorAcademisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA)

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2024-12-17

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Head Injury, Minor trials