This study aims to better understand how head impacts during ice hockey affect the brain and body, especially in young athletes. Even when players do not show clear signs of concussion, these repeated impacts may cause subtle changes in the brain's structure and in how the body regulates basic functions, such as heart rhythm and attention. This study will follow elite junior ice hockey players over the course of one full season to better understand the effects of repeated head impacts. Using a small helmet sensor (Bearmind) and video analysis, researchers will record and analyze every head impact that occurs during games and practices. Three times during the season - before, mid-season, and after - players will complete assessments of heart rate variability (using Polar H10 monitors) and a dual-task test that measures attention and coordination. After any diagnosed concussion, players will be reassessed with both heart rate variability and dual-task testing at 3 days post-injury. Following that, dual-task testing alone will be repeated every 3 days until return to sport. Players who experience a severe head impact, as detected by the helmet sensor, will also be evaluated 3 days after the impact with both heart rate variability and dual-task testing, even if no concussion symptoms are present. By combining these measures, the study aims to detect early physiological and cognitive changes following head impacts, improve understanding of sub-concussive effects, and support better prevention and management strategies for young athletes.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
52
Players wear a helmet-mounted sensor (Bearmind) during games and practices to record and quantify head impacts.
Players wear a Polar H10 heart rate monitor to measure heart rate variability at designated times during the season. HRV is assessed pre-, mid-, and post-season, and again 3 days after a diagnosed concussion or sever head impact to evaluate autonomic nervous system responses.
Players perform a dual-task test combining cognitive and motor activities while wearing a chest-mounted sensor to capture movement and performance metrics. Assessments are conducted pre-, mid-, and post-season, 3 days after a concussion or severe impact , and every 3 days until return to sport after a concussion.
Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Caen Normandie
Caen, Normandy, France
Head impact exposure
Head impacts will be recorded using the Bearmind helmet-mounted sensor during all games and practices over the competitive season.
Time frame: Continuously throughout one full competitive season during all games and practices (up to 9 months)
Heart rate variability (HRV) using a 12-minute protocol
HRV will be measured with the Polar H10 monitor during a standardized 12-minute protocol including three phases: resting (5 min), standing (5 min), and isometric contraction (2 min). Measures will assess autonomic nervous system responses at baseline, mid-season, post-season, and post-injury.
Time frame: At baseline, at mid-season (14 weeks from baseline), at end of season (up to 9 months from baseline), and within 5 days following a diagnosed concussion or severe head impact.
Dual-task cognitive and motor performance
A dual-task test combining cognitive and motor activities will be performed while players wear a chest-mounted sensor to capture movement accuracy and reaction metrics.
Time frame: At baseline, at mid-season (14 weeks from baseline), at end of season (up to 9 months from baseline), and within 5 days following a diagnosed concussion or severe head impact.
Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT6) score
The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-6 (SCAT6) will be used to evaluate concussion-related symptoms, cognitive function, and balance. Assessments will be administered under standardized conditions to monitor baseline values and post-injury recovery.
Time frame: At baseline, and at 1 day and 4 days post-injury following a diagnosed concussion or severe head impact.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.