RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Cerebral and Cognitive Impact of Professional Soccer Practice

This research wants to understand if playing professional football (soccer) for many years and getting minor head knocks might harm the brain. We're using advanced body scans called MRIs to look for tiny changes in the brain and check thinking abilities in professional football players who are finishing their careers. These players are compared to other high-level athletes who haven't had repeated head injuries. The medical scans will help us see if there are any changes in the brain's structure or how it works. Ultimately, we want to learn more about the long-term effects of repeated head impacts in sports.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France

Enrolment target

Start

07 Jan 2022

Estimated completion

07 Feb 2026

Traumatic Chronic Encephalopathy

What is this study about?

This study is investigating the potential long-term effects of playing professional football (soccer) on the brain. We know that professional footballers can experience many small bumps and knocks to the head during their careers. Doctors want to understand if these repeated minor head injuries could lead to changes in the brain's structure or affect a person's thinking and memory skills later in life.

To do this, we are using a special type of scan called an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This scan takes very detailed pictures of the brain. MRIs can show tiny changes in the brain that we can't see with other methods. We will be looking at different aspects of the brain, such as its size, thickness, and how different parts are connected and working.

The study will compare two groups of high-level athletes: professional footballers who are either at the end of their careers or who retired up to about 10 years ago, and other athletes (like professional tennis players) who haven't had repeated head injuries. By comparing these two groups, researchers hope to see if any brain changes or differences in thinking skills are more common in the footballers, suggesting a link to their playing career. This research is important to help us better understand the health of athletes and improve safety in sports.

Key takeaways

Looks at brain health in professional football players.
Uses special MRI scans to check for brain changes.
Compares footballers to other high-level athletes.
Aims to understand long-term effects of head knocks.
Doesn't involve drugs or invasive procedures.
Your participation helps improve sports safety.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two groups of men to take part. The first group includes professional football (soccer) players who are aged between 32 and 55, currently playing in France's Ligue 1 or 2, and are nearing the end of their careers.

The second group looking for high-level athletes who haven't had lots of head injuries. Ideally, these would be professional tennis players or ex-players, roughly the same age as the footballers. They should never have regularly played sports where head injuries are common, such as rugby, basketball, American football, or boxing. Both groups must not have had any severe head injuries in the past.

You cannot take part if you have a history of serious brain injury, a diagnosed brain condition, or certain neurological or mental health problems. Also, you can't join if you regularly use drugs, smoke a lot (or recently quit), drink too much alcohol, or take certain medications that affect the brain. You also can't participate if you have specific health conditions like severe high blood pressure or diabetes, or if you have any medical reason that prevents you from having an MRI scan, such as claustrophobia or certain implanted devices.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a professional football (soccer) player in France's Ligue 1 or 2, aged 32-55, nearing retirement?
Or are you a high-level athlete (like a professional tennis player) aged 32-55, who hasn't had repeated head injuries?
Do you have any metal implants or severe claustrophobia that would prevent an MRI scan?
Do you have a history of severe brain injury, neurological or psychiatric conditions?
Are you currently taking medications that affect your brain or have a history of excessive alcohol/drug use?
Are you able to agree to take part and understand the study information?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the main thing you'll do is have a special brain scan called an MRI. This scan doesn't hurt and helps doctors get detailed pictures of your brain. You'll likely also do some tests to check your thinking skills, like memory and attention. The study doesn't involve medicines or surgeries. The total duration of your involvement in the study would likely be a single visit, or perhaps a couple if follow-up is needed, but the main assessment is a one-time event.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, but it will help doctors learn more about how playing professional football might affect the brain. This knowledge could help protect athletes in the future. The main risk is the MRI scan itself, which is generally very safe, but some people might feel uncomfortable in the scanner (claustrophobia). There are no known long-term risks. You are free to change your mind and leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body, including your brain. It does not use X-rays or radiation.

Will I get to see my scan results?

The study protocol mentions that you will be informed if any abnormalities are found on your MRI, but you must agree to this in advance.

How long will my visit to the study site take?

The study doesn't specify an exact time, but typically an MRI scan can take 30-60 minutes, and other tests might add to the appointment time.

Do I have to live in France to take part?

Yes, for the professional football player group, you need to be playing in France's Ligue 1 or 2.

Will I be paid for taking part?

The study information doesn't mention any payment for participation.

How to find out more

Stéphane KREMER, MD

stephane.kremer@chru-strasbourg.fr 03 88 12 78 48 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.