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.
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
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
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.
Military University Hospital Prague
Prague, Czech Republic, Czechia
Quantification of mTBI Risk 1
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.
Time frame: Up to 24 hours post-exposure
Quantification of mTBI Risk 2
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.
Time frame: Up to 24 hours post-exposure
Biomechanical Analysis of Head Impact Forces 1
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.
Time frame: Baseline
Biomechanical Analysis of Head Impact Forces 2
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.
Time frame: Baseline
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