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Biomechanical Basis of Sex Differences in Concussion and Subconcussion

Award Number: R21NS136884
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2027

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Biomechanical Basis of Sex Differences in Concussion and Subconcussion - PROJECT SUMMARY Sex is an important risk factor to consider in concussion but has been historically under-studied. Computational models of the human head transform external head impacts into regional brain strains that are well believed to be the primary cause for injury. They are thought to offer more effective biomechanical mechanism underpinning concussion. However, current brain injury models do not consider sex differences in morphology, either at the organ level or at the microscale, axon level. Therefore, current brain injury models are not feasible to study the biomechanical basis of sex differences in concussion. This proposal has two specific aims. First, we will develop subject-specific brain injury models of the whole brain and axons. Next, we will use subject-specific head impacts from male and female ice-hockey players to characterize sex differences in brain strain and extent of axonal damage, and then correlate them with a range of biomarkers. Sex differences in both concussion and subconsussion will be studied. The proposed research will provide an initial understanding of the sex-related differences in strains sustained in male and female brains and the extent of axonal structural damages. Ultimately, these efforts will contribute to refined health policymaking and sex-specific concussion mitigation strategies to reduce the growing health-care burden.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2026	2025	WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE	100 INSTITUTE RD	WORCESTER	MA	01609	WORCESTER	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	3/3/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $208,402 )
2025	2025	WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE	100 INSTITUTE RD	WORCESTER	MA	01609	WORCESTER	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	5/29/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$208,402
														Subtotal = $208,402

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $183,402 )
2024	2024	WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE	100 INSTITUTE RD	WORCESTER	MA	01609	WORCESTER	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	5/30/2024	NEW	$183,402
														Subtotal = $183,402

Grand Total All Awards = $391,804

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Biomechanical Basis of Sex Differences in Concussion and Subconcussion

Award Number: R21NS136884

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2027

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