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New York Fitness Cohort Study – Enrollment Completed!

Enrollment is currently closed for the New York Fitness Cohort Study. While there is always a possibility that numbers may change, we are not currently enrolling new participants. 

Whether you enrolled and completed a study visit or simply took the time to fill out a screener, your contribution has been meaningful and deeply appreciated. Thank you!

Join the New York Fitness Cohort Study

We are seeking healthy people ages 18 to 50 to help us understand the tradeoff between fitness and soccer heading for brain function.

Two Visits Over Two Years

  • Play computer brain games
  • Exercise test, MRI, and blood test
  • Earn up to $600

Join if you are 18-50 and fit any of these groups:

  • Amateur soccer players
  • Amateur athletes who do not play high-impact sports
  • Non-athletes who are healthy

Our study is committed to promoting gender equity aiming for equal representation of male and female participants.

Email us with questions at NYFC@cumc.columbia.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

The study is conducted at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, located in Washington Heights, NYC.

Study visits currently take place Monday–Friday, from approximately 8:00am–5:00pm. Slots depend on appointment specifics and study team availability.

Our studies have specific eligibility criteria, which may include factors such as age, health conditions, or lifestyle habits. If your responses do not meet the criteria for this study, you are not eligible to participate at this time. However, eligibility requirements can change, and you may qualify for future studies.

Absolutely! We are actively enrolling for the Lifespan Study. Each study has general eligibility criteria listed on its respective page. If you believe you might be a good fit, please fill out a survey and we will contact you!

If you know someone who may be a good fit, please share information about this study with them! Referrals are always appreciated! Encourage potential participants to reach out:

Call us at 212-305-2800, or email:

New York Fitness Cohort Study: nyfc@cumc.columbia.edu

The timeline for publishing research varies and depends on factors like data analysis and publisher, and funding agency restrictions. Final results typically cannot be published until the study is complete, which can take years. Our most recent publications can be found here.

The MRI performed for our studies does not entail any risk beyond that of a clinical MRI that your doctor might recommend. All MRI scanning follows safety requirements of the US FDA. Certain individuals have higher risk during MRI. We carefully screen all study participants to minimize risk. It is for this reason that you are asked to remove ALL jewelry and change your clothing prior to MRI. These are some examples of potential safety concerns:

  • Medical Devices: Electronic medical devices, like pacemakers, can pose a risk. We will not permit you to have an MRI if you have an implanted electronic device or if you wear an external electronic device that you cannot remove for the MRI.
  • Claustrophobia: The narrow tunnel of the MRI machine can be uncomfortable for individuals with claustrophobia.
  • Hearing: The scanner produces loud noises that may affect hearing. We will require you to insert earplugs and will place dense padding over your ears to minimize any risk.
  • Metallic objects: Some types of metal may be attracted strongly to the MRI magnet. All types of metal pose a risk of severe burn if they are in contact with your skin. For this reason, we will not permit you to have an MRI unless you are free of ALL hazardous metal objects, including jewelry and piercings.

Participants who undergo an MRI will receive a safety review of their scans by a study Radiologist. Most often this will be Dr. Lipton. Additionally, you will have the option to request a CD of your MRI scan. Participants who complete a VO2max exercise test will receive a detailed report of their results.

News and Media

Dr. Lipton talks about his new NIH-funded study, in which he is investigating the tradeoff between aerobic fitness and the impacts of soccer heading on brain structure and function.

NEWSWEEK, November 29, 2024
Heading by Soccer Players Can Damage the Brain’s Learning Regions

COLUMBIA MAGAZINE, March 18, 2024
Heading a Soccer Ball Does Cause Damage, Experts Say

COLUMBIA RADIOLOGY NEWSROOM, July 10, 2023
New Study to Look at Benefits of Fitness vs. Risks of Soccer Heading