An Investigator Initiated Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Brain Network Activation (BNA™) Technology in the Management of Sport Related Concussion

Currently, there is no direct, reliable, bed-side, and non-invasive method for assessing changes in brain activity associated with concussion. Event Related Potentials (ERPs), which are temporal reflections of the neural mass electrical activity of cells in specific regions of the brain that occur in response to stimuli, may offer such a method, as they provide both a noninvasive and portable measure of brain function. The ERPs provide excellent temporal information, but spatial resolution for ERPs has traditionally been limited. However, by using high-density electroencephalograph (EEG) recording spatial resolution for ERPs is improved significantly. The paradigm for the current study will combine neurophysiological knowledge with mathematical signal processing and pattern recognition methods (BNA™) to temporally and spatially map brain function, connectivity and synchronization.

The proposed study will provide additional evidence for the utility and contribution of the BNA™ test (reflecting temporal and spatial changes in brain activity as well as brain functional connectivity associated with concussion) in concussion management.

The BNA test is basically divided to 3 phases - first EEG data is collected from subjects using an EEG system while the subject is performing a cognitive task in front of a computer. The EEG data is then analyzed using the advanced BNA™ technology. Finally, a report of the BNA™ test is generated.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Age range

11 year–15 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Noran Neurological Clinic

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55407, United States

About this study

A single center study evaluating the effectiveness of BNA technology as an objective tool for sport related concussion management in youth athletes' populations.

The study will include 150 athletes from Minnesota Youth Hockey Programs. Subjects enrolled in this study will undergo a screening and baseline pre season visit and follow up visit/s.

Follow-up testing for concussed athletes - Concussed athletes will complete a series of post concussion follow up visits. Each will consist of BNA™ test, ImPACT™ test, and exam by neurologist or neurology nurse practitioner. The first visit will be within 72 hours of injury and re-evaluations will occur weekly until BNA has normalized AND subject is asymptomatic. Subject may return to play at that point and subject will have a final additional BNA™ test one week after the athlete returns to full activity. If participant is still symptomatic and/or BNA is still abnormal at 6 weeks reevaluations go to every 2 weeks for up to three months or clearing of symptoms AND normal BNA™. If not back to baseline at three months, monthly reevaluations until study completion.
Follow up visit for non-concussed athletes - non-concussed athletes will complete a follow up visit upon completion of the sport season.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Male athletes
aged 11-15
enrolled in selected Minnesota Youth Hockey Programs

Exclusion criteria

Self-reported history of central nervous system injury or disease (examples will include, but will not be limited to, moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI with a Glasgow Coma Scale < 13), epilepsy, seizures, brain surgery, or any positive neuroimaging results)
Active head lice infection, open scalp wound
Deafness, and/or blindness
A concussion within prior six months
Residual symptoms or deficits related to a previous concussion
Long and thick hair that prevents the proper administration of an EEG cap.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

changes in BNA™ measures during the sport season

Time frame: 1 year

Consistency or changes in BNA™ measures during and after the sport season in both concussed and non concussed athletes compared to pre season BNA™ baseline measures.
Correlation of the BNA measures during the sport season in concussed athletes to the clinical diagnosis, symptom scores and the ImPACT test results.

Time frame: 1 year

Correlation of the BNA measures during the sport season in concussed athletes to the clinical diagnosis, symptom scores and the ImPACT test results.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

ElMindA Ltd

Industry

Collaborators

Noran Neurological Clinic

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Clinical Utility of Brain Network Activation (BNA™) Technology in the Management of Sport Related Concussion in Youth Athletes

Important dates

Study start: 2013
Primary completion: 2014
Study completion: 2014
First posted: Oct 16, 2013
Registry last updated: Apr 9, 2015

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

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