Investigating Event-Related Potentials and Eye-Tracking Measures in Hockey Players

Assessing Neurophysiological Markers of Brain Function: Investigating Event-Related Potentials and Eye-Tracking Measures in Hockey Players

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a health issue impacting athletes and no clinical treatment protocol, other than rest, is yet established. The efficacy of a treatment protocol relies on objective, physiological measures of brain function and ultimately a quantification of injury severity.

The present study aims to assess neurophysiological markers of auditory and visual measures of brain function using the NeuroCatch Platform and eye-tracking technology, respectively. The current gold standard of TBI evaluation, including cognitive and balance assessments, will also be captured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any sex, 14-25 years old inclusively
• Attending the Creative Artists Agency LLC (CAA) hockey camp in July 2019
• Able to understand the informed consent/assent form, study procedures and willing to participate in study

NeuroCatch Platform-Specific Inclusion Criteria

• Able to remain seated and focused for 6 minutes
• Normal hearing capabilities

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to provide informed consent

NeuroCatch Platform-Specific Exclusion Criteria

• Clinically documented hearing issues (e.g. tinnitus, in-ear hearing problems or punctured ear drum)
• In-ear hearing aid or cochlear implant, hearing device
• Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator
• Metal or plastic implants in skull
• Exposed to an investigational drug or device 30 days prior to start in this study, or concurrent or planned use of investigational drug or device during hockey camp (July 7th - 13th 2019)
• Not proficient in English
• Previous exposure to the NeuroCatch™ Platform audio sequences in the last 6 months
• History of seizures
• Allergy to rubbing alcohol or EEG gel
• Unhealthy scalp (apparent open wounds and/or bruised or weakened skin)