title: Professional fighters brain health study: rationale and methods.
abstract: Repetitive head trauma is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and is the primary cause of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. However, little is known about the natural history of, and risk factors for, chronic traumatic encephalopathy or about means of early detection and intervention. The Professional Fighters Brain Health Study is a longitudinal study of active professional fighters (boxers and mixed martial artists), retired professional fighters, and controls matched for age and level of education. The main objective of the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study is to determine the relationships between measures of head trauma exposure and other potential modifiers and changes in brain imaging and neurological and behavioral function over time. The study is designed to extend over 5 years, and we anticipate enrollment of more than 400 boxers and mixed martial artists. Participants will undergo annual evaluations that include 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanning, computerized cognitive assessments, speech analysis, surveys of mood and impulsivity, and blood sampling for genotyping and exploratory biomarker studies. Statistical models will be developed and validated to predict early and progressive changes in brain structure and function. A composite fight exposure index, developed as a summary measure of cumulative traumatic exposure, shows promise as a predictor of brain volumes and cognitive function.
authors.affiliation: Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888West Bonneville Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA. bernicc@ccf.org
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bernick
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Banks
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: Wanyong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Obuchowski
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Modic
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001914:Boxing / Q000293:injuries*; D020208:Brain Injury, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012107:Research Design; D018401:Sample Size; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: boxing; chronic traumatic encephalopathy; mixed martial arts; traumatic brain injury