Exploring the Connection Between Brain Strain and Cognitive Changes: A Protocol Study

Abstract

Given the rise of head injury in the youth, much focus has been directed toward predicting brain injury using simulation tools such as finite element analysis. Various brain strain measures are proposed as indicators of concussion. However, the clinical connection between brain strain and cognitive changes has not been fully established. In this study, we develop a framework to compare strains and other metrics obtained from finite element brain simulations with sideline cognitive testing results. We conducted a preliminary study for ten college football players. The players were equipped with custom fit mouthguards and were monitored for one season. A total of 2185 impacts were collected, and eight cognitive tests were conducted that were triggered when acceleration measurement exceed a threshold of 30Gs. Axonal injury metrics were examined while considering cognitive scores. This study represents a protocol investigation with preliminary findings, as it explores the correlation between brain strain metrics and cognitive deficits in a sample of ten football players over one season.