Blast Overpressure Longitudinal Study

Participants in this observational study are active-duty U.S. Special Operations Forces personnel between the ages of 18 and 50. This study is designed to characterize the neurological and clinical effects associated with repeated low-level blast exposure (LLBE) in this population. Concerns have emerged that cumulative exposure to sub-concussive blast overpressure (BOP), even in the absence of a diagnosable concussion, may be associated with subtle changes in brain structure and function over time. Due to the nature of their operational and training environments, Special Operations Forces personnel may experience repeated LLBE and are therefore an important population for longitudinal investigation.

Participation involves in-person assessments and data collection conducted over a period of approximately 4-5 years. The schedule of study activities includes baseline, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual assessments. Baseline and annual study visits include advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and require travel to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Specifically, this study includes the use of the Microstructure Anatomy Gradient for Neuroimaging with Ultrafast Scanning (MAGNUS) 3.0 Tesla MRI.

Throughout the study period, participants complete standardized questionnaires and clinical assessments and provide biological samples, including blood, urine, and saliva, at specified intervals. Participants also contribute measures on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. They will wear blast sensors throughout their participation in the study.

The total planned enrollment for the study is approximately 250 participants across multiple sites, with an estimated 60 participants enrolled at Fort Bragg, NC. Enrollment and follow-up are expected to occur over a 4-5 year period.

• Ohio State University TBI Identification Method [Срок оценки: At baseline and annually through study completion, an average of 5 years]
• Concussion Clinical Profiles Screening [Срок оценки: At baseline and annually through study completion, an average of 5 years]
• Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory [Срок оценки: At baseline and weekly through study completion, an average of 5 years]
• Headache Impact Test [Срок оценки: At baseline and weekly through study completion, an average of 5 years]
• modified Military Concussion Readiness Inventory for Dizziness and Balance [Срок оценки: At baseline and quarterly through study completion, an average of 5 years]
• Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS) 31 [Срок оценки: At baseline and annually through study completion, an average of 5 years]
• Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [Срок оценки: PSQI at baseline and annually through study completion, an average of 5 years]
• Brief Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [Срок оценки: B-PSQI monthly through study completion (except at baseline and annually when the 18-item PSQI [see above] will be used), an average of 5 years]
• STOP-Bang [Срок оценки: At baseline and annually through study completion, an average of 5 years]
• Neck Disability Index [Срок оценки: At baseline and annually through study completion, an average of 5 years]
• PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) [Срок оценки: At baseline and annually through study completion, an average of 5 years]
• General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) [Срок оценки: At baseline and annually through study completion, an average of 5 years]