Study of Cognitive and Brain Activity Changes From Sub-Concussive Military Training in Canadian Special Forces Members

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the cognitive effects of intense military combat training, particularly focusing on the impacts of repetitive sub-concussive forces experienced by Special Operation Forces SOF personnel. The study aims to better understand how these training regimens, which mimic combat and blast exposure, affect cognition, brain function, and related symptoms. This research addresses a gap in knowledge about cognitive problems reported by soldiers after such training. Participants in the study will undergo cognitive testing alongside EEG electroencephalogram recordings both before and after their special forces training, which lasts about four weeks. The assessments include ImPACT Cognitive Testing and VoxNeuro EEG evaluations, covering attention, concentration, working memory, information processing, executive function, and language comprehension. Blast exposure during training will be monitored with wearable gauges, and participants will keep logs of trauma exposure to differentiate occupational causes. During the study, 20 SOF members will complete symptom profiles, vestibular ocular motor screenings VOMS, and various cognitive and EEG assessments pre- and post-training, with post-training testing occurring within one week after training ends. Researchers will measure changes in event-related potentials ERPs and cognitive test scores to evaluate effects on brain electrophysiology and cognitive function. The study also monitors symptoms like headache and dizziness, aiming to clarify how sub-concussive exposure relates to these outcomes. Overall participation spans the training period plus pre- and post-assessment visits within a few weeks.

ERP Changes Pre and Post Military Changes