The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has commissioned Monash University to study the damaging impacts of low-level blast exposure on the brains of defence personnel, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Many in the ADF are regularly exposed to low-level blasts from explosions and weaponry, and the Royal Commission found the exposure may result in traumatic brain injury.
Among its recommendations was research to understand and mitigate the impacts.
Monash University brain injury experts have this month started the four-year study of about 300 new ADF recruits undertaking artillery training.
The recruits will wear a device to measure the pressure of any blast waves they are exposed to, and researchers will undertake regular testing of blood, cognitive responses and other measures throughout the study.
The data will help determine what different blast thresholds do to the brain, and help experts come up with mitigation strategies.
Professor Sandy Shultz, Principal Investigator in the Monash Trauma Group at the School of School of Translational Medicine, said the research will provide vital medical knowledge to improve health outcomes for defence personnel.
"There has been very little research on brain injury as a result of low-level blast exposure, despite this being such a common experience across the defence sector," Professor Shultz said.
"Exactly how and to what extent low-level and repetitive exposures to blasts affects the brain is really unknown.
"The knowledge gained from this research will help inform policy and guidelines around what thresholds can result in a brain injury and when ADF personnel should be removed from further exposure."
The Honourable Matt Keogh, Federal Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel, welcomed the collaboration.
"The health, safety and wellbeing of current and former serving Defence Force personnel is my highest priority," Minister Keogh said.
"As part of our response to the Royal Commission, we've been investing in research and monitoring to better understand the complex nature of brain injury and its causes.
"While a coordinated effort is underway to decrease risks where possible, in line with international research, we know we need to do more.
"The partnership with Monash's brain injury experts will improve our understanding of how low-level blast pressure can impact ADF personnel over the course of their career and help reduce unnecessary exposure wherever possible."
