Biomechanical Impact Profiles and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Phenotype Heterogeneity

SUMMARY

# Biomechanical Impact Profiles and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Phenotype Heterogeneity ## Background and Rationale This computational modeling study employs in silico biomechanical analysis to understand how different traumatic brain injury impact profiles contribute to the heterogeneous phenotypes observed in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The research addresses the critical knowledge gap regarding why individuals with similar exposure histories develop vastly different CTE prese

METHODOLOGY NOTES

**Phase 1: Data Collection and Cohort Assembly (Months 1-6)** • Recruit 500 former contact sport athletes (football, hockey, boxing) with documented exposure history • Collect 200 age-matched controls with no repetitive head impact exposure • Obtain detailed biomechanical exposure data: impact frequency, magnitude (g-forces), rotational acceleration, duration of exposure • Perform comprehensive neuropsychological testing using standardized batteries (CANTAB, CNS-VS) • Conduct advanced neuroimaging: 3T MRI with DTI, fMRI, tau-PET, and amyloid-PET scanning • Collect CSF samples for tau, phospho-tau, neurofilament light, and GFAP biomarkers **Phase 2: In Silico Biomechanical Modeling (Months 3-9)** • Develop finite element models of head impact mechanics using ANSYS LS-DYNA software • Model brain tissue deformation patterns for different impact vectors and magnitudes • Simulate cumulative damage patterns based on individual exposure histories • Generate strain-based vulnerability maps fo