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Enrolling by Invitation

NCT Number: NCT06992570

Risk Assessment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Training

The SNIPER-TBI study aims to identify and quantify the risk of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in soldiers of the Czech Armed Forces during specific high-risk training activities, including parachute jumps, high-caliber firearms shooting, artillery blasts, and Close Quarters Battle (CQB) exercises. The study will utilize both diagnostic biomarker analysis and experimental biomechanical measurements to assess the physiological impact of these activities on brain health. The ultimate goal is to reduce mTBI incidence, improve operational readiness, and extend the active service duration of soldiers through targeted preventive measures.

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Key information

Conditions

Trauma, Brain Brain Diseases Brain Injuries Brain Injuries, Traumatic Central Nervous System Diseases Craniocerebral Trauma Nervous System Diseases Trauma, Nervous System Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Military University Hospital Prague

Prague, Czech Republic, 16902, Czechia

About this study

The SNIPER-TBI study aims to quantify the risk of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in Czech Armed Forces soldiers during high-risk training activities, including parachute jumps, high-caliber firearms shooting, artillery blasts, and Close Quarters Battle (CQB) exercises. The study combines diagnostic biomarker analysis (GFAP, UCH-L1) and experimental biomechanical measurements using wearable sensors and high-speed cameras. These data will provide critical insights into the forces exerted on the brain during training and help establish exposure limits to minimize long-term neurological impairment. The results will guide the development of protective strategies and enhance soldier readiness.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18-50 years
  • Active-duty military personnel
  • Participating in designated high-risk training activities

Exclusion criteria

  • History of significant brain injury
  • Current neurological disorders
  • Use of anticoagulant medications

Treatment and study plan

Quantification of mild trauma brain injury risk

Diagnostic Test

Measure the incidence and severity of mTBI among soldiers engaged in high-risk training activities. (e.g. parachute jumps, high-caliber firearms shooting, artillery fire, explosions). Concentration of brain injury biomarkers (GFAP, UCH-L1) in blood samples collected within 24 hours post-exposure

Biomechanical Analysis of Head Impact Forces

Other

Evaluate the mechanical forces experienced by soldiers during high-risk activities using wearable accelerometers and high-speed video analysis. Peak head acceleration (g-force) and pressure wave analysis during training activities.

Primary outcomes

  1. Quantification of mTBI Risk 1

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours post-exposure

    Measure the severity of mTBI among soldiers engaged in high-risk training activity.

    Concentration of brain injury biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in blood sample collected within 24 hours post-exposure. Measured in nanogram per milliliter.

  2. Quantification of mTBI Risk 2

    Time frame: Up to 24 hours post-exposure

    Measure the severity of mTBI among soldiers engaged in high-risk training activity.

    Concentration of brain injury biomarker ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) in blood sample collected within 24 hours post-exposure. Measured in nanogram per milliliter.

  3. Biomechanical Analysis of Head Impact Forces 1

    Time frame: Baseline

    Evaluate the mechanical forces experienced by soldiers during high-risk activity using wearable accelerometers and high-speed video analysis. Peak head acceleration (g-force) will be measured during training activity. Measured in meters per second squared.

  4. Biomechanical Analysis of Head Impact Forces 2

    Time frame: Baseline

    Evaluate the mechanical forces experienced by soldiers during high-risk activities using wearable accelerometers and high-speed video analysis. Pressure wave during training activity will be analyzed. Measures in Pascal.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Charles University, Czech Republic

Other

Collaborators

  • Military University Hospital, Prague

Registry information

Official study title

Identification and Risk Assessment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) in Czech Armed Forces Soldiers During Specific Training Activities

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 28, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 19, 2025

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.

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