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Tsushima WT, Siu A, Tamashiro KKZ, Murata NM. Effects of repetitive subconcussive head trauma on the neuropsychological functioning and symptom reporting of high school athletes in high and low contact sports: Age and sex. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2024:1-7. [PMID: 39192619 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2024.2394174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to assess the neuropsychological test performances of non-concussed female and male high school athletes of different ages in high and low contact sports. METHOD Large samples of 2,510 high school athletes in High Contact sports (e.g., football) and 1,437 in Low Contact sports (e.g., basketball) were examined. The participants were administered a baseline Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) prior to their respective seasons. RESULTS Multivariate linear regression showed that the High Contact athletes had significantly poorer results than the Low Contact athletes in all four ImPACT Composite scores and the Total Symptom scores. No age differences were found, but in all three age groups, the High Contact athletes had lower Visual Motor Speed scores than the Low Contact athletes. No test score differences were noted between the females in the High and Low Contact groups, but the High Contact males had poorer Visual Motor Speed and Reaction Time than the Low Contact males. CONCLUSIONS The present results were consistent with prior studies of subconcussive head trauma, with High Contact athletes obtaining overall poorer neuropsychological test results than Low Contact athletes. More investigations in this age group seems is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T Tsushima
- Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Straub Benioff Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Andrea Siu
- Research Institute, Hawaii Pacific Health, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | | | - Nathan M Murata
- College of Education, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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2
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Holcomb TD, Marks ME, Pritchard NS, Miller LE, Rowson S, Bullock GS, Urban JE, Stitzel JD. On-Field Evaluation of Mouthpiece-and-Helmet-Mounted Sensor Data from Head Kinematics in Football. Ann Biomed Eng 2024:10.1007/s10439-024-03583-0. [PMID: 39058402 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03583-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Wearable sensors are used to measure head impact exposure in sports. The Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System is a helmet-mounted system that has been commonly utilized to measure head impacts in American football. Advancements in sensor technology have fueled the development of alternative sensor methods such as instrumented mouthguards. The objective of this study was to compare peak magnitude measured from high school football athletes dually instrumented with the HIT System and a mouthpiece-based sensor system. METHODS Data was collected at all contact practices and competitions over a single season of spring football. Recorded events were observed and identified on video and paired using event timestamps. Paired events were further stratified by removing mouthpiece events with peak resultant linear acceleration below 10 g and events with contact to the facemask or body of athletes. RESULTS A total of 133 paired events were analyzed in the results. There was a median difference (mouthpiece subtracted from HIT System) in peak resultant linear and rotational acceleration for concurrently measured events of 7.3 g and 189 rad/s2. Greater magnitude events resulted in larger kinematic differences between sensors and a Bland Altman analysis found a mean bias of 8.8 g and 104 rad/s2, respectively. CONCLUSION If the mouthpiece-based sensor is considered close to truth, the results of this study are consistent with previous HIT System validation studies indicating low error on average but high scatter across individual events. Future researchers should be mindful of sensor limitations when comparing results collected using varying sensor technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ty D Holcomb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Madison E Marks
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - N Stewart Pritchard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Logan E Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Steve Rowson
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Garrett S Bullock
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jillian E Urban
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Joel D Stitzel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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3
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Hack L, Singh B, Binkofski F, Helmich I. Repetitive Subconcussive Head Impacts in Sports and Their Impact on Brain Anatomy and Function: A Systematic Review. Int J Sports Med 2024. [PMID: 38857880 DOI: 10.1055/a-2342-3604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Repetitive subconcussive head impacts occur regularly in sports. However, the exact relationship between their biomechanical properties and their consequences on brain structure and function has not been clarified yet. We therefore reviewed prospective cohort studies that objectively reported the biomechanical characteristics of repetitive subconcussive head impacts and their impact on brain anatomy and function. Only studies with a pre- to post-measurement design were included. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Structural white matter alterations, such as reduced fractional anisotropy and an increase in mean diffusivity values, seem to be evident in athletes exposed to repetitive subconcussive head impacts exceeding 10 g. Such changes are observable after only one season of play. Furthermore, a dose-response relationship exists between white matter abnormalities and the total number of subconcussive head impacts. However, functional changes after repetitive subconcussive head impacts remain inconclusive. We therefore conclude that repetitive subconcussive head impacts induce structural changes, but thus far without overt functional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Hack
- Department of Motor Behavior in Sports, German Sport University Cologne, Koln, Germany
- Department of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bhagyashree Singh
- Department of Motor Behavior in Sports, German Sport University Cologne, Koln, Germany
| | - Ferdinand Binkofski
- Clinical Cognitive Sciences, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen , Germany
| | - Ingo Helmich
- Department of Motor Behavior in Sports, German Sport University Cologne, Koln, Germany
- Department of Exercise and Sport Studies, Smith College, Northampton, United States
- Department of Neurology, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychiatry, German Sport University Cologne, Koln, Germany
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4
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Lloansi Rodriguez I, Freemyer B, Hashida K, Tamura K, Murata N, Furutani T, Gioia G, Myers J, Swartz E. Helmetless Tackling Training Intervention and Preseason Self-efficacy Effects on Head Impacts in Hawai'i High School Football. Clin J Sport Med 2024:00042752-990000000-00204. [PMID: 38975901 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine how football head impacts are influenced by self-efficacy (SE), helmetless tackling intervention participation (IP), and years of experience (YE) playing football. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Three high schools. PARTICIPANTS 120 (male; n = 118, female; n = 2, 15.57 ± 1.23 years) participants were recruited from 5 high school teams (3 varsity and 2 junior-varsity). INDEPENDENT VARIABLES SE, days of IP, and YE playing tackle football. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES SE was measured using a 53-question survey and categorized into 5 subscales. The accumulation of total head impacts (THI) was measured using Riddell InSite Speedflex helmets (Elyria, OH) throughout the season. Head impact exposure (HIE) was standardized as a ratio of impacts per session (games, scrimmages, and practices). Multiple regression analyses tested the relationship between THI or HIE with the predictor variables. RESULTS For THI, 22.1% was explained by the predictors (r = 0.470, r2 = 0.221). Intervention participation had a negative correlation (B = -4.480, P = 0.019), whereas confidence in performing proper tackling and blocking (SE1) (B = 3.133, P = 0.010) and >8 YE (B = 135.9, P = 0.009) positively correlated with THI. For HIE, 25.4% was explained by the predictors (r = 0.504, r2 = 0.254). Intervention participation negatively correlated (B = -0.077, P = 0.007), whereas SE1 (B = 3.133, P = 0.010) and >8 YE (B = 2.735, P ≤ 0.001) correlated positively with HIE. CONCLUSIONS Increased head impacts were associated with less helmetless tackling participation, more than 8 YE, and more self-confidence in tackling ability. Increasing the amount of time athletes spend practicing proper tackling and blocking techniques to reduce head first and risky play is warranted to reduce the amount of head impacts received over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivet Lloansi Rodriguez
- Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Bret Freemyer
- Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Kumiko Hashida
- UGA Concussion Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Athens, GA
| | - Kaori Tamura
- Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Nathan Murata
- Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Troy Furutani
- Hawaii Concussion Awareness Management Program, Honolulu, HI
| | - Gerald Gioia
- Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Jay Myers
- Southern New Hampshire University, Hooksett, NH; and
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5
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Culhane JE, Jackson CE, Tripodis Y, Nowinski CJ, Dams-O'Connor K, Pettway E, Uretsky M, Abdolmohammadi B, Nair E, Martin B, Palmisano J, Katz DI, Dwyer B, Daneshvar DH, Goldstein LE, Kowall NW, Cantu RC, Stern RA, Huber BR, Crary JF, Mez J, Stein TD, McKee AC, Alosco ML. Lack of Association of Informant-Reported Traumatic Brain Injury and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:1399-1408. [PMID: 38445389 PMCID: PMC11339554 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Repetitive head impacts (RHIs) from football are associated with the neurodegenerative tauopathy chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). It is unclear whether a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is sufficient to precipitate CTE neuropathology. We examined the association between TBI and CTE neuropathology in 580 deceased individuals exposed to RHIs from football. TBI history was assessed using a modified version of the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method Short Form administered to informants. There were 22 donors who had no TBI, 213 who had at least one TBI without loss of consciousness (LOC), 345 who had TBI with LOC, and, of those with a history of TBI with LOC, 36 who had at least one moderate-to-severe TBI (msTBI, LOC >30 min). CTE neuropathology was diagnosed in 405. There was no association between CTE neuropathology status or severity and TBI with LOC (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-1.41; OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.71-2.09) or msTBI (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.33-1.50; OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.30-3.41). There were no associations with other neurodegenerative or cerebrovascular pathologies examined. TBI with LOC and msTBI were not associated with CTE neuropathology in this sample of brain donors exposed to RHIs from American football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E. Culhane
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Colleen E. Jackson
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher J. Nowinski
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristen Dams-O'Connor
- Brain Injury Research Center, Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Erika Pettway
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Madeline Uretsky
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bobak Abdolmohammadi
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evan Nair
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brett Martin
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph Palmisano
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Douglas I. Katz
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brigid Dwyer
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel H. Daneshvar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lee E. Goldstein
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Departments of Biomedical, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boston University College of Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Neil W. Kowall
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert C. Cantu
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert A. Stern
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bertrand Russell Huber
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John F. Crary
- Brain Injury Research Center, Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Artificial Intelligence & Human Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research Core, Friedman Brain Institute, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jesse Mez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Framingham Heart Study, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thor D. Stein
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Framingham Heart Study, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ann C. McKee
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Framingham Heart Study, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael L. Alosco
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, BU CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Johnson PK, Fino PC, Wilde EA, Hovenden ES, Russell HA, Velez C, Pelo R, Morris AJ, Kreter N, Read EN, Keleher F, Esopenko C, Lindsey HM, Newsome MR, Thayn D, McCabe C, Mullen CM, Davidson LE, Liebel SW, Carr L, Tate DF. The Effect of Intranasal Plus Transcranial Photobiomodulation on Neuromuscular Control in Individuals with Repetitive Head Acceleration Events. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg 2024; 42:404-413. [PMID: 38848287 DOI: 10.1089/pho.2023.0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: This proof-of-concept study was to investigate the relationship between photobiomodulation (PBM) and neuromuscular control. Background: The effects of concussion and repetitive head acceleration events (RHAEs) are associated with decreased motor control and balance. Simultaneous intranasal and transcranial PBM (itPBM) is emerging as a possible treatment for cognitive and psychological sequelae of brain injury with evidence of remote effects on other body systems. Methods: In total, 43 (39 male) participants, age 18-69 years (mean, 49.5; SD, 14.45), with a self-reported history of concussive and/or RHAE and complaints of their related effects (e.g., mood dysregulation, impaired cognition, and poor sleep quality), completed baseline and posttreatment motor assessments including clinical reaction time, grip strength, grooved pegboard, and the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (MiniBEST). In the 8-week interim, participants self-administered itPBM treatments by wearing a headset comprising four near-infrared light-emitting diodes (LED) and a near-infrared LED nasal clip. Results: Posttreatment group averages in reaction time, MiniBEST reactive control subscores, and bilateral grip strength significantly improved with effect sizes of g = 0.75, g = 0.63, g = 0.22 (dominant hand), and g = 0.34 (nondominant hand), respectively. Conclusion: This study provides a framework for more robust studies and suggests that itPBM may serve as a noninvasive solution for improved neuromuscular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula K Johnson
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Office of Research, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Peter C Fino
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Wilde
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Hovenden
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Hilary A Russell
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Carmen Velez
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Ryan Pelo
- Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Amanda J Morris
- Department of Kinesiology, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Nicholas Kreter
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Emma N Read
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Finian Keleher
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Carrie Esopenko
- Department of Rehabilitation & Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Hannah M Lindsey
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mary R Newsome
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dayna Thayn
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Courtney McCabe
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Christine M Mullen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Lance E Davidson
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Spencer W Liebel
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Lawrence Carr
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - David F Tate
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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7
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Sinnott AM, Collins CL, Boltz AJ, Robison HJ, Pinapaka H, Mihalik JP. Comparison of Kinematics for Head Impacts Initiated by Helmets and Shoulder Pads Among High School American Football Athletes. Ann Biomed Eng 2024:10.1007/s10439-024-03485-1. [PMID: 38507140 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03485-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Helmets and shoulder pads are required equipment intended to protect American football athletes by attenuating collision forces during participation. Surprisingly, research differentiating kinematics from head impacts initiated by helmets from those initiated by shoulder pads among adolescent athletes has not been completed. The current study's purpose was to determine the effects of equipment on head impact kinematics. Sixty-nine male American football athletes from three high schools wore helmets equipped with Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System instrumentation to quantify peak linear (g) and rotational (rad/s2) accelerations. Data were extracted for video-confirmed impacts during two competitions. Separate multivariable linear regressions using ordinary least squares were conducted to determine if equipment type (helmet vs. shoulder pad) was associated with log-transformed linear and rotational accelerations. In total, 1150 video-confirmed impacts involved helmet (N = 960) or shoulder pad (N = 190) initiated contact. Linear (p = 0.809) and rotational (p = 0.351) acceleration were not associated with equipment type. Head impact kinematics were similar between impacts initiated by either helmets or shoulder pads and suggests an opponent's shoulder pads and helmet can deliver comparable forces to the struck player. Equipment manufacturers may need to consider the unintended role shoulder pads may contribute to head injury risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Sinnott
- Matthew Gfeller Center, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2207 Stallings-Evans Sports Medicine Center, Campus Box 8700, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-8700, USA
| | - Christy L Collins
- Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Adrian J Boltz
- Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Hannah J Robison
- Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Hari Pinapaka
- Matthew Gfeller Center, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2207 Stallings-Evans Sports Medicine Center, Campus Box 8700, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-8700, USA
| | - Jason P Mihalik
- Matthew Gfeller Center, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2207 Stallings-Evans Sports Medicine Center, Campus Box 8700, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-8700, USA.
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8
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Huerta de la Cruz S, Santiago-Castañeda C, Rodríguez-Palma EJ, Rocha L, Sancho M. Lateral fluid percussion injury: A rat model of experimental traumatic brain injury. Methods Cell Biol 2024; 185:197-224. [PMID: 38556449 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2024.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. The annual economic impact of TBI-including direct and indirect costs-is high, particularly impacting low- and middle-income countries. Despite extensive research, a comprehensive understanding of the primary and secondary TBI pathophysiology, followed by the development of promising therapeutic approaches, remains limited. These fundamental caveats in knowledge have motivated the development of various experimental models to explore the molecular mechanisms underpinning the pathogenesis of TBI. In this context, the Lateral Fluid Percussion Injury (LFPI) model produces a brain injury that mimics most of the neurological and systemic aspects observed in human TBI. Moreover, its high reproducibility makes the LFPI model one of the most widely used rodent-based TBI models. In this chapter, we provide a detailed surgical protocol of the LFPI model used to induce TBI in adult Wistar rats. We further highlight the neuroscore test as a valuable tool for the evaluation of TBI-induced sensorimotor consequences and their severity in rats. Lastly, we briefly summarize the current knowledge on the pathological aspects and functional outcomes observed in the LFPI-induced TBI model in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl Huerta de la Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States; Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav Sede Sur, Ciudad de México, México.
| | | | - Erick J Rodríguez-Palma
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, Sede Sur, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luisa Rocha
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav Sede Sur, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Maria Sancho
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Fitzgerald B, Bari S, Vike N, Lee TA, Lycke RJ, Auger JD, Leverenz LJ, Nauman E, Goñi J, Talavage TM. Longitudinal changes in resting state fMRI brain self-similarity of asymptomatic high school American football athletes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1747. [PMID: 38243048 PMCID: PMC10799081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51688-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
American football has become the focus of numerous studies highlighting a growing concern that cumulative exposure to repetitive, sports-related head acceleration events (HAEs) may have negative consequences for brain health, even in the absence of a diagnosed concussion. In this longitudinal study, brain functional connectivity was analyzed in a cohort of high school American football athletes over a single play season and compared against participants in non-collision high school sports. Football athletes underwent four resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging sessions: once before (pre-season), twice during (in-season), and once 34-80 days after the contact activities play season ended (post-season). For each imaging session, functional connectomes (FCs) were computed for each athlete and compared across sessions using a metric reflecting the (self) similarity between two FCs. HAEs were monitored during all practices and games throughout the season using head-mounted sensors. Relative to the pre-season scan session, football athletes exhibited decreased FC self-similarity at the later in-season session, with apparent recovery of self-similarity by the time of the post-season session. In addition, both within and post-season self-similarity was correlated with cumulative exposure to head acceleration events. These results suggest that repetitive exposure to HAEs produces alterations in functional brain connectivity and highlight the necessity of collision-free recovery periods for football athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Fitzgerald
- Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Sumra Bari
- Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nicole Vike
- Department of Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Taylor A Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Roy J Lycke
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joshua D Auger
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Larry J Leverenz
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Eric Nauman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Joaquín Goñi
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Thomas M Talavage
- Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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10
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McAlister KL, Mack WJ, Bir C, Baron DA, Som C, Li K, Chavarria-Garcia A, Sawardekar S, Baron D, Toth Z, Allem C, Beatty N, Nakayama J, Kelln R, Zaslow T, Bansal R, Peterson BS. Longitudinal, prospective study of head impacts in male high school football players. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291374. [PMID: 37682984 PMCID: PMC10490840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Repetitive, subconcussive events may adversely affect the brain and cognition during sensitive periods of development. Prevention of neurocognitive consequences of concussion in high school football is therefore an important public health priority. We aimed to identify the player positions and demographic, behavioral, cognitive, and impact characteristics that predict the frequency and acceleration of head impacts in high school football players. METHODS In this prospective study, three cohorts of adolescent male athletes (N = 53, 28.3% Hispanic) were recruited over three successive seasons in a high school American football program. Demographic and cognitive functioning were assessed at baseline prior to participating in football. Helmet sensors recorded impact frequency and acceleration. Each head impact was captured on film from five different angles. Research staff verified and characterized on-field impacts. Player-level Poisson regressions and year-level and impact-level linear mixed-effect models were used to determine demographic, behavioral, cognitive, and impact characteristics as predictors of impact frequency and acceleration. RESULTS 4,678 valid impacts were recorded. Impact frequency positively associated with baseline symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity [β(SE) = 1.05 impacts per year per unit of symptom severity (1.00), p = 0.01] and inattentiveness [β(SE) = 1.003 impacts per year per T-score unit (1.001), p = 0.01]. Compared to quarterbacks, the highest acceleration impacts were sustained by kickers/punters [β(SE) = 21.5 g's higher (7.1), p = 0.002], kick/punt returners [β(SE) = 9.3 g's higher (4.4), p = 0.03], and defensive backs [β(SE) = 4.9 g's higher (2.5), p = 0.05]. Impacts were more frequent in the second [β(SE) = 33.4 impacts (14.2), p = 0.02)] and third [β(SE) = 50.9 impacts (20.1), p = 0.01] year of play. Acceleration was highest in top-of-the-head impacts [β(SE) = 4.4 g's higher (0.8), p<0.001]. CONCLUSION Including screening questions for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in pre-participation evaluations can help identify a subset of prospective football players who may be at risk for increased head impacts. Position-specific strategies to modify kickoffs and correct tackling and blocking may also reduce impact burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L. McAlister
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Wendy J. Mack
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Bir
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - David A. Baron
- Western University, Pomona, CA, United States of America
| | - Christine Som
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Karen Li
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Anthony Chavarria-Garcia
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Siddhant Sawardekar
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - David Baron
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Zachary Toth
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Courtney Allem
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Beatty
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Junko Nakayama
- Crescenta Valley High School, La Crescenta, CA, United States of America
| | - Ryan Kelln
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Tracy Zaslow
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Ravi Bansal
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Bradley S. Peterson
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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11
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Le RK, Lempke LB, Anderson MN, Johnson RS, Schmidt JD, Lynall RC. Quantifying head impact biomechanical differences between commonly employed cleaning levels: a critical research interpretation consideration. Brain Inj 2023; 37:1173-1178. [PMID: 37166252 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2023.2211351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wearable accelerometry devices quantify on-field frequency and severity of head impacts to further improve sport safety. Commonly employed post-data collection cleaning techniques may affect these outcomes. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to compare game impact rates and magnitudes between three different cleaning levels (Level-1: impacts recorded within start and end times, Level-2: impacts during pauses/breaks removed, Level-3: video verified) for male youth tackle football. METHODS Participants (n = 23, age = 10.9 ± 0.3 yrs, height = 150.0 ± 8.3 cm, mass = 41.6 ± 8.4 kg) wore Triax SIM-G sensors throughout Fall 2019. Impact rates, ratios (IRRs), and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to compare levels. Random-effects general linear models were used to compare peak linear acceleration (PLA;g) and angular velocity (PAV;rads/s). RESULTS Level-1 resulted in higher impact rates (4.57; 95%CI = 4.14-5.05) compared to Level-2 (3.09; 95%CI = 2.80-3.42; IRR = 1.48; 95%CI = 1.34-1.63) and Level-3 datasets (2.56; 95%CI = 2.30-2.85; IRR = 1.78; 95%CI = 1.60-1.98). Level-2 had higher impact rates compared to Level-3 (1.21; 95%CI = 1.08-1.35). Level-1 resulted in higher PAV than Level-2 and Level-3 (p < 0.001) datasets. PLA did not differ across datasets (p = 0.296). CONCLUSIONS Head impact data should be filtered of pauses/breaks, and does not substantially differ outcome estimates compared to time-intensive video verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Le
- Department of Exercise Science, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, Concussion Research Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Landon B Lempke
- Michigan Concussion Center, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Melissa N Anderson
- Department of Kinesiology & Applied Physiology, Concussion Research Laboratory, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Rachel S Johnson
- Department of Kinesiology, Center for Orthopaedic & Biomechanics Research, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
- Applied Research Division, St. Luke's Health System, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Julianne D Schmidt
- Department of Kinesiology, Concussion Research Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert C Lynall
- Department of Kinesiology, Concussion Research Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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12
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Daneshvar DH, Nair ES, Baucom ZH, Rasch A, Abdolmohammadi B, Uretsky M, Saltiel N, Shah A, Jarnagin J, Baugh CM, Martin BM, Palmisano JN, Cherry JD, Alvarez VE, Huber BR, Weuve J, Nowinski CJ, Cantu RC, Zafonte RD, Dwyer B, Crary JF, Goldstein LE, Kowall NW, Katz DI, Stern RA, Tripodis Y, Stein TD, McClean MD, Alosco ML, McKee AC, Mez J. Leveraging football accelerometer data to quantify associations between repetitive head impacts and chronic traumatic encephalopathy in males. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3470. [PMID: 37340004 PMCID: PMC10281995 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39183-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative tauopathy associated with repetitive head impacts (RHI), but the components of RHI exposure underlying this relationship are unclear. We create a position exposure matrix (PEM), composed of American football helmet sensor data, summarized from literature review by player position and level of play. Using this PEM, we estimate measures of lifetime RHI exposure for a separate cohort of 631 football playing brain donors. Separate models examine the relationship between CTE pathology and players' concussion count, athletic positions, years of football, and PEM-derived measures, including estimated cumulative head impacts, linear accelerations, and rotational accelerations. Only duration of play and PEM-derived measures are significantly associated with CTE pathology. Models incorporating cumulative linear or rotational acceleration have better model fit and are better predictors of CTE pathology than duration of play or cumulative head impacts alone. These findings implicate cumulative head impact intensity in CTE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Daneshvar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mass General Brigham-Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Evan S Nair
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zachary H Baucom
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abigail Rasch
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bobak Abdolmohammadi
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madeline Uretsky
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Saltiel
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arsal Shah
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Johnny Jarnagin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine M Baugh
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Brett M Martin
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph N Palmisano
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cherry
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor E Alvarez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Bertrand R Huber
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher J Nowinski
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert C Cantu
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Concussion Legacy Foundation, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA, USA
| | - Ross D Zafonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mass General Brigham-Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brigid Dwyer
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John F Crary
- Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research Core, Department of Pathology, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lee E Goldstein
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neil W Kowall
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Douglas I Katz
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert A Stern
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thor D Stein
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael D McClean
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael L Alosco
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ann C McKee
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jesse Mez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research and CTE Centers, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Framingham Heart Study, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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McIver KG, Lee P, Bucherl S, Talavage TM, Myer GD, Nauman EA. Design Considerations for the Attenuation of Translational and Rotational Accelerations in American Football Helmets. J Biomech Eng 2023; 145:061008. [PMID: 36628996 PMCID: PMC10782865 DOI: 10.1115/1.4056653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Participants in American football experience repetitive head impacts that induce negative changes in neurocognitive function over the course of a single season. This study aimed to quantify the transfer function connecting the force input to the measured output acceleration of the helmet system to provide a comparison of the impact attenuation of various modern American football helmets. Impact mitigation varied considerably between helmet models and with location for each helmet model. The current data indicate that helmet mass is a key variable driving force attenuation, however flexible helmet shells, helmet shell cutouts, and more compliant padding can improve energy absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin G. McIver
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Patrick Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Sean Bucherl
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Thomas M. Talavage
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221; School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Gregory D. Myer
- Emory Sports Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA 30542; Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA 30329; Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329; The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, MA 02452
| | - Eric A. Nauman
- Dane A. and Mary Louise Miller Professor Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, 2901 Woodside Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45221
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14
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Zuidema TR, Bazarian JJ, Kercher KA, Mannix R, Kraft RH, Newman SD, Ejima K, Rettke DJ, Macy JT, Steinfeldt JA, Kawata K. Longitudinal Associations of Clinical and Biochemical Head Injury Biomarkers With Head Impact Exposure in Adolescent Football Players. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2316601. [PMID: 37252737 PMCID: PMC10230318 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.16601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Consequences of subconcussive head impacts have been recognized, yet most studies to date have included small samples from a single site, used a unimodal approach, and lacked repeated testing. Objective To examine time-course changes in clinical (near point of convergence [NPC]) and brain-injury blood biomarkers (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 [UCH-L1], and neurofilament light [NF-L]) in adolescent football players and to test whether changes in the outcomes were associated with playing position, impact kinematics, and/or brain tissue strain. Design, Setting, and Participants This multisite, prospective cohort study included male high school football players aged 13 to 18 years at 4 high schools in the Midwest during the 2021 high school football season (preseason [July] and August 2 to November 19). Exposure A single football season. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were NPC (a clinical oculomotor test) and serum levels of GFAP, UCH-L1, and NF-L. Participants' head impact exposure (frequency and peak linear and rotational accelerations) was tracked using instrumented mouthguards, and maximum principal strain was computed to reflect brain tissue strain. Players' neurological function was assessed at 5 time points (preseason, post-training camp, 2 in season, and postseason). Results Ninety-nine male players contributed to the time-course analysis (mean [SD] age, 15.8 [1.1] years), but data from 6 players (6.1%) were excluded from the association analysis due to issues related to mouthguards. Thus, 93 players yielded 9498 head impacts in a season (mean [SD], 102 [113] impacts per player). There were time-course elevations in NPC and GFAP, UCH-L1, and NF-L levels. Compared with baseline, the NPC exhibited a significant elevation over time and peaked at postseason (2.21 cm; 95% CI, 1.80-2.63 cm; P < .001). Levels of GFAP and UCH-L1 increased by 25.6 pg/mL (95% CI, 17.6-33.6 pg/mL; P < .001) and 188.5 pg/mL (95% CI, 145.6-231.4 pg/mL; P < .001), respectively, later in the season. Levels of NF-L were elevated after the training camp (0.78 pg/mL; 95% CI, 0.14-1.41 pg/mL; P = .011) and midseason (0.55 pg/mL; 95% CI, 0.13-0.99 pg/mL; P = .006) but normalized by the end of the season. Changes in UCH-L1 levels were associated with maximum principal strain later in the season (0.052 pg/mL; 95% CI, 0.015-0.088 pg/mL; P = .007) and postseason (0.069 pg/mL; 95% CI, 0.031-0.106 pg/mL; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance The study data suggest that adolescent football players exhibited impairments in oculomotor function and elevations in blood biomarker levels associated with astrocyte activation and neuronal injury throughout a season. Several years of follow-up are needed to examine the long-term effects of subconcussive head impacts in adolescent football players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor R. Zuidema
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington
- Program in Neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington
| | - Jeffrey J. Bazarian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Kyle A. Kercher
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington
| | - Rebekah Mannix
- Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Reuben H. Kraft
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
- Institute of Computational and Data Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | | | - Keisuke Ejima
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Devin J. Rettke
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington
| | - Jonathan T. Macy
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington
| | - Jesse A. Steinfeldt
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington
- Program in Neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington
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15
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Pavlovic N, Clermont C, Cairns J, Williamson RA, Emery CA, Stefanyshyn D. Differences in head impact biomechanics between playing positions in Canadian high school football players. J Sports Sci 2023; 40:2697-2703. [PMID: 36862832 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2184824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare head impact magnitudes and time between impacts among positions in Canadian high-school football. Thirty nine players from two high-school football teams were recruited and assigned a position profile: Profile 1 (quarterback, receiver, defensive back, kicker), Profile 2 (linebacker, running back), and Profile 3 (linemen). Players wore instrumented mouthguards to measure peak magnitudes of linear and angular acceleration and velocity for each head impact throughout the season. A principal component analysis reduced the dimensionality of biomechanical variables, resulting in one principal component (PC1) score assigned to every impact. Time between impacts was calculated by subtracting the timestamps of subsequent head impacts within a session. Significant differences in PC1 scores and time between impacts occurred between playing position profiles (ps<0.001). Post-hoc comparisons determined that PC1 was greatest in Profile 2, followed by Profiles 1 and 3. Time between impacts was lowest in Profile 3, followed by Profiles 2 and 1. This study delivers a new method of reducing the multidimensionality of head impact magnitudes and suggests different Canadian high-school football playing positions experience different head impact magnitudes and frequencies, which is important for monitoring concussion and repetitive head impact exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Pavlovic
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christian Clermont
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Joshua Cairns
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rylen A Williamson
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carolyn A Emery
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Darren Stefanyshyn
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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16
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The Effects of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms on the Association between Head Impacts and Post-Season Neurocognitive and Behavioral Outcomes. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2023; 29:24-34. [PMID: 35105403 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617721001491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a risk factor for concussion that impacts concussion diagnosis and recovery. The relationship between ADHD and repetitive subconcussive head impacts on neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes is less well known. This study evaluated the role of ADHD as a moderator of the association between repetitive head impacts on neurocognitive test performance and behavioral concussion symptoms over the course of an athletic season. METHOD Study participants included 284 male athletes aged 13-18 years who participated in high school football. Parents completed the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior (SWAN) ratings about their teen athlete before the season began. Head impacts were measured using an accelerometer worn during all practices and games. Athletes and parents completed behavioral ratings of concussion symptoms and the Attention Network Task (ANT), Digital Trail Making Task (dTMT), and Cued Task Switching Task at pre- and post-season. RESULTS Mixed model analyses indicated that neither head impacts nor ADHD symptoms were associated with post-season athlete- or parent-reported concussion symptom ratings or neurocognitive task performance. Moreover, no relationships between head impact exposure and neurocognitive or behavioral outcomes emerged when severity of pre-season ADHD symptoms was included as a moderator. CONCLUSION Athletes' pre-season ADHD symptoms do not appear to influence behavioral or neurocognitive outcomes following a single season of competitive football competition. Results are interpreted in light of several study limitations (e.g., single season, assessment of constructs) that may have impacted this study's pattern of largely null results.
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17
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Kercher KA, Steinfeldt JA, Macy JT, Seo DC, Kawata K. Drill Intensity and Head Impact Exposure in Adolescent Football. Pediatrics 2022; 150:189733. [PMID: 36226553 PMCID: PMC9675985 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to examine head-impact exposure by intensity level and position group, and to test the hypothesis that there would be an increase in cumulative head-impact exposure between drill intensities after controlling for duration in each level with air recording the lowest frequency and magnitude and live recording the highest: air < bags < control < thud < live. METHODS We conducted a prospective, multisite study in 1 season with players from 3 high school football teams (n = 74). Each player wore a sensor-installed mouthguard, which monitored head-impact frequency, peak linear acceleration (PLA), and peak rotational acceleration (PRA). Practice drills and games were categorized by level of contact. RESULTS A total of 7312 impacts were recorded with a median of 67 (interquartile range:128) impacts per player. After controlling for duration, increases in head-impact outcomes by level of contact were observed (air < bags = control < thud = live). Live drills had higher cumulative head-impact frequency (45.4 ± 53.0 hits) and magnitude (PLA: 766.3 ± 932.9 g; PRA: 48.9 ± 61.3 kilorad/s2) per player than other levels (P < .0001). In comparison, air drills had the lowest cumulative frequency (4.2 ± 6.9 hits) and magnitude (PLA: 68.0 ± 121.6 g; PRA: 6.4 ± 13.2 kilorad/s2). CONCLUSIONS These data support the levels-of-contact system as a practical approach to limiting head-impact exposure in tackle football. Our findings are clinically important, because data have begun to suggest the relationship between chronic head-impact exposure and decline in brain health. Since head-impact exposure was influenced by levels of contact, regulation of the duration of certain drill intensities (eg, thud, live) may associate with reduced head-impact exposure in high school football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A. Kercher
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Jesse A. Steinfeldt
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Jonathan T. Macy
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Dong-Chul Seo
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana,Program in Neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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18
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Associations of lifetime concussion history and repetitive head impact exposure with resting-state functional connectivity in former collegiate American football players: An NCAA 15-year follow-up study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273918. [PMID: 36084077 PMCID: PMC9462826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine associations of lifetime concussion history (CHx) and an advanced metric of lifetime repetitive head impact exposure with resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) across the whole-brain and among large-scale functional networks (Default Mode; Dorsal Attention; and Frontoparietal Control) in former collegiate football players. Individuals who completed at least one year of varsity collegiate football were eligible to participate in this observational cohort study (n = 48; aged 36–41 years; 79.2% white/Caucasian; 12.5±4.4 years of football played; all men). Individuals were excluded if they reported history/suspicion of psychotic disorder with active symptoms, contraindications to participation in study procedures (e.g., MRI safety concern), or inability to travel. Each participant provided concussion and football playing histories. Self-reported concussion history was analyzed in two different ways based on prior research: dichotomous “High” (≥3 concussions; n = 28) versus “Low” (<3 concussions; n = 20); and four ordinal categories (0–1 concussion [n = 19]; 2–4 concussions [n = 8]; 5–7 concussions [n = 9]; and ≥8 concussions [n = 12]). The Head Impact Exposure Estimate (HIEE) was calculated from football playing history captured via structured interview. Resting-state fMRI and T1-weighted MRI were acquired and preprocessed using established pipelines. Next, rsFC was calculated using the Seitzman et al., (2020) 300-ROI functional atlas. Whole-brain, within-network, and between-network rsFC were calculated using all ROIs and network-specific ROIs, respectively. Effects of CHx and HIEE on rsFC values were examined using separate multivariable linear regression models, with a-priori α set to 0.05. We observed no statistically significant associations between rsFC outcomes and either CHx or HIEE (ps ≥ .12). Neither CHx nor HIEE were associated with neural signatures that have been observed in studies of typical and pathological aging. While CHx and repetitive head impacts have been associated with changes in brain health in older former athletes, our preliminary results suggest that associations with rsFC may not be present in early midlife former football players.
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19
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Relationship between Aggressiveness, Self-Confidence, and Perceived Coach Support and Head Impact Exposure in Youth Football. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10080115. [PMID: 36006081 PMCID: PMC9412463 DOI: 10.3390/sports10080115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated head impact exposure (HIE) metrics in relation to individual-level determinants of HIE. Youth (n = 13) and high school (n = 21) football players were instrumented with the Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) system during one season. Players completed the Trait-Robustness of Self-Confidence Inventory (TROSCI), Sports Climate Questionnaire (SCQ), and Competitive Aggressiveness and Anger Scale (CAAS), measuring self-confidence, perceived coach support, and competitive aggressiveness, respectively. Relationships between HIE metrics (number of impacts, median and 95th percentile accelerations, and risk-weighted exposure (RWE)) and survey scores were evaluated using linear regression analysis. For middle school athletes, TROSCI scores were significantly negatively associated with the number of competition impacts and the mean number of impacts per player per competition. SCQ scores were significantly positively associated with median linear acceleration during practice. CAAS scores were not significantly associated with biomechanical metrics at either level of play. Perceived coach support and self-confidence might influence HIE among middle school football players. Football athletes' competitive aggressiveness may have less influence their HIE than other factors.
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20
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Exploring Vestibular/Ocular and Cognitive Dysfunction as Prognostic Factors for Protracted Recovery in Sports-Related Concussion Patients Aged 8 to 12 Years. Clin J Sport Med 2022; 32:408-414. [PMID: 34516435 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the prognostic ability of the vestibular/ocular motor screening (VOMS), King-Devick (K-D) Test, and C3 Logix Trails A and B to identify protracted recovery from sports-related concussion (SRC) in patients aged 8 to 12 years. DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING Specialty pediatric sports concussion clinic. PARTICIPANTS A total of 114 youth athletes aged 8 to 12 years who were diagnosed with an SRC within 7 days of injury. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES A positive screen on the VOMS, K-D, and C3 Logix Trails A and Trails B. Combined positive screens on multiple tests (ie, 2, 3, or all 4 positive screens of 4 possible). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Recovery time in days and protracted recovery (recovery time ≥30-days) were the primary outcomes of interest. RESULTS A positive VOMS screen was associated with 1.31 greater days to SRC recovery ( P = 0.02) than a negative VOMS screen. The K-D and C3 Logix tests were not significantly associated with recovery time, nor were any combinations of tests ( P > 0.05). The VOMS demonstrated moderate prognostic ability to predict normal recovery (negative predictive value = 80.78% [95% CI = 63.73-90.95]). Overall predictive accuracy of normal versus protracted recovery was strongest when a participant screened positive on all 4 tests (Accuracy = 76.32% [95% CI = 67.45-83.78]). CONCLUSIONS The VOMS was associated with overall recovery time and proved to be a useful test to identify those who would experience a normal recovery time. Combining the 4 tests improved the prognostic accuracy of the protocol in predicting protracted versus normal recovery. These findings suggest that combining multiple, varied assessments of cognition and vestibular/ocular functions may better explain factors contributing to protracted recovery.
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21
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Stemper BD, Harezlak J, Shah AS, Rowson S, Mihalik JP, Riggen L, Duma S, Pasquina P, Broglio SP, McAllister TW, McCrea MA. Association between Preseason/Regular Season Head Impact Exposure and Concussion Incidence in NCAA Football. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:912-922. [PMID: 35081093 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Contact sport athletes are exposed to a unique environment where they sustain repeated head impacts throughout the season and can sustain hundreds of head impacts over a few months. Accordingly, recent studies outlined the role that head impact exposure (HIE) has in concussion biomechanics and in the development of cognitive and brain-based changes. Those studies focused on time-bound effects by quantifying exposure leading up to the concussion, or cognitive changes after a season in which athletes had high HIE. However, HIE may have a more prolonged effect. This study identified associations between HIE and concussion incidence during different periods of the college football fall season. METHODS This study included 1120 athlete seasons from six National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football programs across 5 yr. Athletes were instrumented with the Head Impact Telemetry System to record daily HIE. The analysis quantified associations of preseason/regular season/total season concussion incidence with HIE during those periods. RESULTS Strong associations were identified between HIE and concussion incidence during different periods of the season. Preseason HIE was associated with preseason and total season concussion incidence, and total season HIE was associated with total season concussion incidence. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate a prolonged effect of HIE on concussion risk, wherein elevated preseason HIE was associated with higher concussion risk both during the preseason and throughout the entire fall season. This investigation is the first to provide evidence supporting the hypothesis of a relationship between elevated HIE during the college football preseason and a sustained decreased tolerance for concussion throughout that season.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaroslaw Harezlak
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN
| | | | - Steven Rowson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jason P Mihalik
- Matthew Gfeller Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Larry Riggen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN
| | - Stefan Duma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Paul Pasquina
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Steven P Broglio
- Michigan Concussion Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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22
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Vike NL, Bari S, Susnjar A, Lee T, Lycke RJ, Auger J, Music J, Nauman E, Talavage TM, Rispoli J. American football position-specific neurometabolic changes in high school athletes - a magnetic resonance spectroscopic study. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:1168-1182. [PMID: 35414265 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reports estimate between 1.6-3.8 million sports-related concussions occur annually, with 30% occurring in youth male American football athletes. Many studies report neurophysiological changes in these athletes, but the exact reasons for these changes remain elusive. Investigation of injury mechanics highlights a need to address how player position might impact these changes. Here, 55 high school American football athletes (20 linemen; 35 non-linemen) underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy four times over the course of a football season (once prior to the season (Pre), twice during (In1, In2), and once following (Post)) to quantify metabolites (N-acetyl aspartate, choline, creatine, myo-inositol, and glutamate/glutamine) in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and primary motor cortex (M1). Head acceleration events (HAEs) were monitored at each practice and game. Spectroscopic and HAE data were analyzed by imaging session and player position. Linear regression analyses were conducted between metabolite levels and HAEs, and metabolite levels in football athletes were compared to age-and gender-matched non-contact athletes. Across-season (i.e., between Pre and In1, In2, Post), different DLPFC and M1 metabolites decreased (p<0.05) according to player position (i.e., linemen vs. non-linemen). The majority of regression results involved DLPFC metabolites in linemen, where metabolite levels were higher, from Pre to Post, with increasing HAE load. Comparisons with control athletes revealed higher metabolite levels in football athletes both before and after the season. This study highlights the importance of player position when conducting analyses on American football athletes and demonstrates elevated DLPFC and M1 brain metabolites in football athletes compared to control athletes at both Pre and Post, suggesting potential HAE-related neurocompensatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Vike
- Northwestern University, 3270, Chicago, Illinois, United States.,Purdue University, 311308, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States;
| | - Sumra Bari
- Northwestern University, 3270, Chicago, Illinois, United States.,Purdue University, 311308, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States;
| | - Antonia Susnjar
- Purdue University, 311308, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States;
| | - Taylor Lee
- Purdue University, 311308, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States;
| | - Roy J Lycke
- Purdue University, 311308, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States;
| | - Joshua Auger
- Purdue University, 311308, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States;
| | - Jacob Music
- Purdue University, 311308, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States;
| | - Eric Nauman
- Purdue University, School of Mechanical Engineering, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.,University of Cincinnati, 2514, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States;
| | - Thomas M Talavage
- Purdue University, 311308, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.,University of Cincinnati, 2514, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States;
| | - Joseph Rispoli
- Purdue University, 311308, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States;
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23
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Stemper BD, Shah A, Chiariello R, McCarthy C, Jessen K, Sarka B, Seifert J, Budde MD, Wang K, Olsen CM, McCrea M. A Preclinical Rodent Model for Repetitive Subconcussive Head Impact Exposure in Contact Sport Athletes. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:805124. [PMID: 35368301 PMCID: PMC8965565 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.805124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive subconcussive head impact exposure has been associated with clinical and MRI changes in some non-concussed contact sport athletes over the course of a season. However, analysis of human tolerance for repeated head impacts is complicated by concussion and head impact exposure history, genetics, and other personal factors. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to develop a rodent model for repetitive subconcussive head impact exposure that can be used to understand injury mechanisms and tolerance in the human. This study incorporated the Medical College of Wisconsin Rotational Injury Model to expose rats to multiple low-level head accelerations per day over a 4-week period. The peak magnitude of head accelerations were scaled from our prior human studies of contact sport athletes and the number of exposures per day were based on the median (moderate exposure) and 95th percentile (high exposure) number of exposures per day across the human sample. Following the exposure protocol, rats were assessed for cognitive deficits, emotional changes, blood serum levels of axonal injury biomarkers, and histopathological evidence of injury. High exposure rats demonstrated cognitive deficits and evidence of anxiety-like behaviors relative to shams. Moderate exposure rats did not demonstrate either of those behaviors. Similarly, high exposure rats had histopathological evidence of gliosis [i.e., elevated Iba1 intensity and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) volume relative to shams] in the basolateral amygdala and other areas. Blood serum levels of neurofilament light (NFL) demonstrated a dose response relationship with increasing numbers of low-level head acceleration exposures with a higher week-to-week rate of NFL increase for the high exposure group compared to the moderate exposure group. These findings demonstrate a cumulative effect of repeated low-level head accelerations and provide a model that can be used in future studies to better understand mechanisms and tolerance for brain injury resulting from repeated low-level head accelerations, with scalable biomechanics between the rat and human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Stemper
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Brian D. Stemper,
| | - Alok Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Rachel Chiariello
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Cassandra McCarthy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Kristin Jessen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Bailey Sarka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jack Seifert
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Matthew D. Budde
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Kevin Wang
- Gryphon Bio, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Christopher M. Olsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Michael McCrea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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24
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Iverson GL, Terry DP. High School Football and Risk for Depression and Suicidality in Adulthood: Findings From a National Longitudinal Study. Front Neurol 2022; 12:812604. [PMID: 35222232 PMCID: PMC8865514 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.812604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing public concern regarding the potential long-term effects of playing football on brain health, specifically that playing football before and during high school might cause damage to the brain that manifests years or decades later as depression or suicidality. This study examined if playing high school football was associated with increased lifetime risk for depression, suicidality over the past year, or depressed mood in the past week in men aged between their middle 30 s to early 40 s. METHODS Publicly available data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health were analyzed. This longitudinal, prospective cohort study sampled nationally representative U.S. youth starting in 1994-1995 (Wave I) and most recently in 2016-2018 (Wave V). A total of 3,147 boys participated in Wave I (median age = 15), of whom 1,805 were re-assessed during Wave V (median age = 38). RESULTS Of the 1,762 men included in the study, 307 (17.4%) men reported being diagnosed with depression and 275 (15.6%) reported being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or panic disorder at some point in their life. When comparing men who played high school football to those who did not, there were no differences in the proportions of the sample who had a lifetime diagnosis of depression, lifetime diagnosis of anxiety/panic disorders, suicidal ideation in the past year, psychological counseling in the past year, or current depressed mood. However, men who received psychological counseling and/or experienced suicidal ideation during adolescence were significantly more likely to report a lifetime history of depression, suicidal ideation in the past year, and current depressed mood. CONCLUSION Individuals who reported playing football during adolescence did not have an increased risk of depression or suicidal ideation when they were in their middle 30 s to early 40 s, but mental health problems during adolescence were associated with an increased risk for psychological health difficulties more than 20 years later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L. Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, United States
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, United States
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Douglas P. Terry
- Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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25
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Swartz EE, Register-Mihalik JK, Broglio SP, Mihalik JP, Myers JL, Guskiewicz KM, Bailes J, Hoge M. National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Reducing Intentional Head-First Contact Behavior in American Football Players. J Athl Train 2022; 57:113-124. [PMID: 35201304 PMCID: PMC8876879 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0062.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide evidence-based recommendations for reducing the prevalence of head-first contact behavior in American football players with the aim of reducing the risk of head and neck injuries. BACKGROUND In American football, using the head as the point of contact is a persistent, well-documented, and direct cause of catastrophic head and cervical spine injury. Equally concerning is that repeated head-impact exposures are likely to result from head-first contact behavior and may be associated with long-term neurocognitive conditions such as dementia, depression, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. CONCLUSIONS The National Athletic Trainers' Association proposes 14 recommendations to help the certified athletic trainer, allied health care provider, coach, player, parent, and broader community implement strategies for reducing the prevalence of head-first contact in American football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik E. Swartz
- Department of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
| | - Johna K. Register-Mihalik
- Matthew Gfeller Center, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | | | - Jason P. Mihalik
- Matthew Gfeller Center, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Jay L Myers
- Department of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
| | - Kevin M. Guskiewicz
- Matthew Gfeller Center, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
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26
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Brett BL, Walton S, Meier T, Nencka AS, Powell JR, Giovanello KS, Guskiewicz KK, McCrea M. Head impact exposure, grey matter volume, and moderating effects of estimated IQ and educational attainment in former athletes at midlife. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:497-507. [PMID: 35044240 PMCID: PMC8978573 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive head impact (RHI) exposure has been associated with differences in brain structure among younger active athletes, most often within the hippocampus. Studies of former athletes at early-midlife are limited. We investigated the association between RHI exposure and grey matter structure, as well as moderating factors, among former athletes in early-midlife. Former collegiate football players (N=55; age=37.9+1.5 years) completed magnetic resonance imaging to quantify grey matter morphometry and extensive structured interviews of RHI history (Head Impact Exposure Estimate). Linear regression models tested the association between RHI exposure and GM structures of interest. Interactions were tested for moderators: two estimates of IQ (single word reading and picture vocabulary) and education history. Greater RHI exposure was associated with smaller hippocampal volume, β=-.36, p=.004. Conversely, RHI exposure was not significantly associated with other GM outcomes ps>.05. Education history significantly moderated the association between RHI exposure and hippocampal volume, β=.69, p=.047. Among those with a bachelor's degree, greater RHI exposure was significantly associated with smaller hippocampal volumes, β=-.58, p<.001. For those with graduate/professional degrees, the association between RHI and hippocampal volume was not significant, β=-.33, p=.134. Consistent with studies involving younger, active athletes, smaller hippocampal volumes were selectively associated with greater RHI exposure among former collegiate football players at midlife. This relationship was moderated by higher levels of education. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the course of possible changes that can occur between early-midlife to older ages, as well as the continued protective effect of education and other potential influential factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Brett
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 5506, Neurosurgery and Neurology, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53226;
| | - Samuel Walton
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill College of Arts and Sciences, 169101, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States;
| | - Timothy Meier
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Neurosurgery, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53226;
| | - Andrew S Nencka
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Biophysics, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States;
| | - Jacob R Powell
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill College of Arts and Sciences, 169101, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States;
| | - Kelly S Giovanello
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Psychology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States;
| | - Kevin K Guskiewicz
- University of North Carolina, Exercise and Sport Science, CB#8700, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27599-8700;
| | - Michael McCrea
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Neurosurgery, Hub for Collaborative Medicine, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53226;
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Dorman JC, Poel DN, Valentine VD, Munce TA. Head Impact Exposure of a Youth Football Team over Eight Consecutive Seasons. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:3-11. [PMID: 34310490 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined HIE of middle school football players over multiple seasons. METHODS Head impact exposure was evaluated in 103 football players (11-14 yr) who participated in a community-based youth tackle football program, up to 2 yr, with the same coaching staff over eight consecutive seasons (2012-2019). Head impact exposure was assessed using the Head Impact Telemetry System. Median of individual mean head impacts per session (HIPS) and median of individual 50th and 95th percentile head impact magnitudes were compared across seasons. RESULTS There were 33,519 head impacts measured throughout the study. Median HIPS for all sessions decreased every year, with a significant reduction from 2012 to 2019 (11.1 vs 2.3 HIPS; P < 0.05). Median game HIPS were significantly reduced in 2019 compared with 2012-14 (5.00 vs 16.30-17.75 HIPS; P < 0.05). Median practice HIPS were reduced by 81.3%, whereas median game HIPS were reduced by 69.3%. Median 50th and 95th percentile linear and rotational acceleration were lower in 2019 compared with some earlier years but remained unchanged during games. CONCLUSIONS Head impacts incurred by youth football players decreased substantially over eight seasons, with players in the final year sustaining approximately one fifth the HIPS as players experienced during the first year. The most prominent decline occurred in practices, although players also had much fewer head impacts in games. These results suggest that coaches' and/or players' behavior can be modified to greatly reduce the head impact burden in youth football.
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Disparate Associations of Years of Football Participation and a Metric of Head Impact Exposure with Neurobehavioral Outcomes in Former Collegiate Football Players. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2022; 28:22-34. [PMID: 33563361 PMCID: PMC8353007 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617721000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Years of sport participation (YoP) is conventionally used to estimate cumulative repetitive head impacts (RHI) experienced by contact sport athletes. The relationship of this measure to other estimates of head impact exposure and the potential associations of these measures with neurobehavioral functioning are unknown. We investigated the association between YoP and the Head Impact Exposure Estimate (HIEE), and whether associations between the two estimates of exposure and neurobehavioral functioning varied. METHODS Former American football players (N = 58; age = 37.9 ± 1.5 years) completed in-person evaluations approximately 15 years following sport discontinuation. Assessments consisted of neuropsychological assessment and structured interviews of head impact history (i.e., HIEE). General linear models were fit to test the association between YoP and the HIEE, and their associations with neurobehavioral outcomes. RESULTS YoP was weakly correlated with the HIEE, p = .005, R2 = .13. Higher YoP was associated with worse performance on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, p = .004, R2 = .14, and Trail Making Test-B, p = .001, R2 = .18. The HIEE was associated with worse performance on the Delayed Recall trial of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, p = .020, R2 = .09, self-reported cognitive difficulties (Neuro-QoL Cognitive Function), p = .011, R2 = .10, psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory-18), p = .018, R2 = .10, and behavioral regulation (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function for Adults), p = .017, R2 = .10. CONCLUSIONS YoP was marginally associated with the HIEE, a comprehensive estimate of head impacts sustained over a career. Associations between each exposure estimate and neurobehavioral functioning outcomes differed. Findings have meaningful implications for efforts to accurately quantify the risk of adverse long-term neurobehavioral outcomes potentially associated with RHI.
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Pankow MP, Syrydiuk RA, Kolstad AT, Hayden AK, Dennison CR, Mrazik M, Hagel BE, Emery CA. Head Games: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Examining Concussion and Head Impact Incidence Rates, Modifiable Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies in Youth Tackle Football. Sports Med 2021; 52:1259-1272. [PMID: 34894348 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01609-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims were to (1) examine the rates and mechanisms of concussion and head impact in youth football (high school level or younger); (2) identify modifiable risk factors for concussion and head impact; and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of prevention strategies in tackle football at any level. METHODS Nine databases (CINAHL Plus with Full Text; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; EMBASE; ERIC; Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global Database; PsycINFO; Scopus; and SPORTDiscus with Full Text) were searched using the search strategy focusing on four main concepts: concussion/head impact, tackle football, modifiable risk factors, and primary prevention. Two reviewers completed title, abstract, and full-text screening as well as risk of bias assessment (using the Downs and Black checklist), with a third author available to resolve any disagreements. MAIN RESULTS After removing duplicates, 1911 articles were returned. Fifty-eight articles were included in the review and 20 in the meta-analysis. The overall combined rates of concussion (including game and practice-related concussion) based on the meta-analysis were 0.78 concussions/1000 athlete exposures [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.89] for high school football (ages 13-19) and 1.15 concussions/1000 athlete exposures (95% CI 0.89-1.41) for minor football players (ages 5-15). There is evidence that contact training and practice contact restrictions have reduced the rate of head impacts and concussion. Heads Up Football (an intervention focused on coach education and contact training) has been shown to reduce the rate of concussion by 32% and head impacts by 38% amongst high school football players. Limiting contact practices in high schools to 2 days per week reduced practice head impacts per player-season by 42%, and limiting full contact in practice to 75 min per week in the second week of the season and 60 min in week 3 and beyond resulted in a 54% decrease in the practice-related concussion rate (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS This review identified a critical need for interventions to address the high rates of concussion and head impact in youth football. To date, contact training and contact restrictions have the strongest evidence supporting their effectiveness at reducing these rates. Future research should use consistent concussion definitions and validated injury surveillance systems, and ensure complete reporting of participant characteristics and sampling details. Prospero ID CRD42020193775.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Patrick Pankow
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada. .,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. .,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. .,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| | - R A Syrydiuk
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - A T Kolstad
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - A K Hayden
- Libraries and Cultural Resources, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - C R Dennison
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.,Biomedical Instrumentation Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - M Mrazik
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - B E Hagel
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - C A Emery
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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30
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Morgan R, Prosapio J, Kara S, Sonty S, Youssef P, Nedd K. Preliminary clinical diagnostic criteria for chronic traumatic encephalopathy: A case report and literature review. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2021.101290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Vale A, Post A, Cournoyer J, Hoshizaki TB, Gilchrist MD. Influence of play type on the magnitude and number of head impacts sustained in youth American football. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2021; 25:1195-1210. [PMID: 34788175 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2021.2003345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The magnitude and number of head impacts experienced by young American football players are associated with negative brain health outcomes and may be affected by play-type strategies. The purpose of this research was to examine how play type affects the magnitude and number of head impacts in youth American tackle football. Head impacts were recorded for 30 games in the 5-9 age category and 30 games in the 9-14 age category. Impacts using physical and finite element models were conducted to determine the brain strain. Run plays had a higher head impact frequency in both age groups (p < 0.05). This increase in head impacts was consistent for all positions (p < 0.05), except wide receiver, and offensive line and defensive back in the 9-14 age group (p > 0.05). Both age groups experienced significantly different magnitude proportions with higher numbers of very low and low strain magnitude impacts during run plays (p < 0.05), and a higher proportion of moderate magnitude impacts in the 5-9 age category (p < 0.05). This data can be used to inform and educate teams and coaches and influence decisions around the use of runs and passing plays that may lead to a decrease in head impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Vale
- Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Post
- Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Janie Cournoyer
- Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Michael D Gilchrist
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Head Impact Research Using Inertial Sensors in Sport: A Systematic Review of Methods, Demographics, and Factors Contributing to Exposure. Sports Med 2021; 52:481-504. [PMID: 34677820 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01574-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number and magnitude of head impacts have been assessed in-vivo using inertial sensors to characterise the exposure in various sports and to help understand their potential relationship to concussion. OBJECTIVES We aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the field of in-vivo sensor acceleration event research in sports via the summary of data collection and processing methods, population demographics and factors contributing to an athlete's exposure to sensor acceleration events. METHODS The systematic search resulted in 185 cohort or cross-sectional studies that recorded sensor acceleration events in-vivo during sport participation. RESULTS Approximately 5800 participants were studied in 20 sports using 18 devices that included instrumented helmets, headbands, skin patches, mouthguards and earplugs. Female and youth participants were under-represented and ambiguous results were reported for these populations. The number and magnitude of sensor acceleration events were affected by a variety of contributing factors, suggesting sport-specific analyses are needed. For collision sports, being male, being older, and playing in a game (as opposed to a practice), all contributed to being exposed to more sensor acceleration events. DISCUSSION Several issues were identified across the various sensor technologies, and efforts should focus on harmonising research methods and improving the accuracy of kinematic measurements and impact classification. While the research is more mature for high-school and collegiate male American football players, it is still in its early stages in many other sports and for female and youth populations. The information reported in the summarised work has improved our understanding of the exposure to sport-related head impacts and has enabled the development of prevention strategies, such as rule changes. CONCLUSIONS Head impact research can help improve our understanding of the acute and chronic effects of head impacts on neurological impairments and brain injury. The field is still growing in many sports, but technological improvements and standardisation of processes are needed.
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Meliambro J, Karton C, Cournoyer J, Post A, Hoshizaki TB, Gilchrist MD. Comparison of head impact frequency and magnitude in youth tackle football and ice hockey. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2021; 25:936-951. [PMID: 34615414 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2021.1987420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive head impacts are a growing concern for youth and adolescent contact sport athletes as they have been linked to long term negative brain health outcomes. Of all contact sports, tackle football and ice hockey have been reported to have the highest incidence of head or brain injury however, each sporting environment is unique with distinct rules and regulations regarding contact and collisions. The purpose of this research was to measure and compare the head impact frequency and estimated magnitude of brain tissue strain, amongst youth tackle football and ice hockey players during game play. Head impact frequency was documented by video analysis of youth tackle football and ice hockey game play. Impact magnitude was determined through physical laboratory reconstructions and finite element modelling to estimate brain tissue strains. Tackle football demonstrated significantly higher impact frequency (P < 0.01) and magnitude of estimated brain tissue strains (P < 0.01) compared to ice hockey. A significantly higher number of higher strain head impacts were documented in tackle football when compared to ice hockey (P < 0.01). These differences suggest that youth football players may experience increased frequency and magnitude of estimated brain tissue strains in comparison to youth hockey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Meliambro
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Clara Karton
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Janie Cournoyer
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Andrew Post
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Michael D Gilchrist
- School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Relationship Between Time-Weighted Head Impact Exposure on Directional Changes in Diffusion Imaging in Youth Football Players. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:2852-2862. [PMID: 34549344 PMCID: PMC8978207 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-021-02862-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 3.5 million youth and adolescents in the US play football, a sport with one of the highest rates of concussion. Repeated subconcussive head impact exposure (HIE) may lead to negative neurological sequelae. To understand HIE as an independent predictive variable, quantitative cumulative kinematic metrics have been developed to capture the volume (i.e., number), severity (i.e., magnitude), and frequency (i.e., time-weighting by the interval between head impacts). In this study, time-weighted cumulative HIE metrics were compared with directional changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics. Changes in DTI conducted on a per-season, per-player basis were assessed as a dependent variable. Directional changes were defined separately as increases and decreases in the number of abnormal voxels relative to non-contact sport controls. Biomechanical and imaging data from 117 athletes (average age 11.9 ± 1.0 years) enrolled in this study was analyzed. Cumulative HIE metrics were more strongly correlated with increases in abnormal voxels than decreases in abnormal voxels. Additionally, across DTI sub-measures, increases and decreases in mean diffusivity (MD) had the strongest relationships with HIE metrics (increases in MD: average R2 = 0.1753, average p = 0.0002; decreases in MD: average R2 = 0.0997, average p = 0.0073). This encourages further investigation into the physiological phenomena represented by directional changes.
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Carey L, Terry DP, McIntosh AS, Stanwell P, Iverson GL, Gardner AJ. Video Analysis and Verification of Direct Head Impacts Recorded by Wearable Sensors in Junior Rugby League Players. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2021; 7:66. [PMID: 34529180 PMCID: PMC8446122 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00353-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rugby league is a high-intensity collision sport that carries a risk of concussion. Youth athletes are considered to be more vulnerable and take longer to recover from concussion than adult athletes. PURPOSE To review head impact events in elite-level junior representative rugby league and to verify and describe characteristics of X-patchTM-recorded impacts via video analysis. STUDY DESIGN Observational case series. METHODS The X-patchTM was used on twenty-one adolescent players (thirteen forwards and eight backs) during a 2017 junior representative rugby league competition. Game-day footage, recorded by a trained videographer from a single camera, was synchronised with X-patchTM-recorded timestamped events. Impacts were double verified by video review. Impact rates, playing characteristics, and gameplay situations were described. RESULTS The X-patchTM-recorded 624 impacts ≥ 20g between game start and finish, of which 564 (90.4%) were verified on video. Upon video review, 413 (73.2%) of all verified impacts ≥ 20g where determined to be direct head impacts. Direct head impacts ≥ 20g occurred at a rate of 5.2 impacts per game hour; 7.6 for forwards and 3.0 for backs (range = 0-18.2). A defender's arm directly impacting the head of the ball carrier was the most common event, accounting for 21.3% (n = 120) of all impacts, and 46.7% of all "hit-up" impacts. There were no medically diagnosed concussions during the competition. CONCLUSION The majority (90.4%) of head impacts ≥ 20g recorded by the X-patchTM sensor were verified by video. Double verification of direct head impacts in addition to cross-verification of sensor-recorded impacts using a secondary source such as synchronised video review can be used to ensure accuracy and validation of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauchlan Carey
- Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Douglas P Terry
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children™ Sports Concussion Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew S McIntosh
- School of Engineering and Australian Collaboration for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Peter Stanwell
- Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children™ Sports Concussion Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew J Gardner
- Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
- Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Program, Waratah, NSW, Australia.
- Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambtom Height, NSW, Australia.
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Lee TA, Lycke RJ, Lee PJ, Cudal CM, Torolski KJ, Bucherl SE, Leiva-Molano N, Auerbach PS, Talavage TM, Nauman EA. Distribution of Head Acceleration Events Varies by Position and Play Type in North American Football. Clin J Sport Med 2021; 31:e245-e250. [PMID: 32032162 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the number of head acceleration events (HAEs) based on position, play type, and starting stance. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Postcollegiate skill development camp during practice sessions and 1 exhibition game. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-eight male adult North American football athletes. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES A position was assigned to each participant, and plays in the exhibition game were separated by play type for analysis. During the exhibition game, video data were used to determine the effects of the starting position ("up" in a 2-point stance or "down" in a 3- or 4-point stance) on the HAEs experienced by players on the offensive line. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Peak linear acceleration and number of HAEs greater than 20 g (g = 9.81 m/s2) were measured using an xPatch (X2 Biosystems, Seattle, WA). RESULTS Four hundred thirty-seven HAEs were recorded during practices and 272 recorded during the exhibition game; 98 and 52 HAEs, the greatest number of HAEs by position in the game, were experienced by the offensive and defensive linemen, respectively. Linebackers and tight ends experienced high percentages of HAEs above 60 g. Offensive line players in a down stance had a higher likelihood of sustaining a HAE than players in an up stance regardless of the type of play (run vs pass). CONCLUSIONS Changing the stance of players on the offensive line and reducing the number of full-contact practices will lower HAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Roy J Lycke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Patrick J Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Caroline M Cudal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Kelly J Torolski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Sean E Bucherl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Nicolas Leiva-Molano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Paul S Auerbach
- Military/Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Thomas M Talavage
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and
| | - Eric A Nauman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Lempke LB, Johnson RS, Le RK, Anderson MN, Schmidt JD, Lynall RC. Head Impact Biomechanics in Youth Flag Football: A Prospective Cohort Study. Am J Sports Med 2021; 49:2817-2826. [PMID: 34264780 DOI: 10.1177/03635465211026643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth flag football participation has rapidly grown and is a potentially safer alternative to tackle football. However, limited research has quantitatively assessed youth flag football head impact biomechanics. PURPOSE To describe head impact biomechanics outcomes in youth flag football and explore factors associated with head impact magnitudes. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS We monitored 52 player-seasons among 48 male flag football players (mean ± SD; age, 9.4 ± 1.1 years; height, 138.6 ± 9.5 cm; mass, 34.7 ± 9.2 kg) across 3 seasons using head impact sensors during practices and games. Sensors recorded head impact frequencies, peak linear (g) and rotational (rad/s2) acceleration, and estimated impact location. Impact rates (IRs) were calculated as 1 impact per 10 player-exposures; IR ratios (IRRs) were used to compare season, event type, and age group IRs; and 95% CIs were calculated for IRs and IRRs. Weekly and seasonal cumulative head impact frequencies and magnitudes were calculated. Mixed-model regression models examined the association between player characteristics, event type, and seasons and peak linear and rotational accelerations. RESULTS A total of 429 head impacts from 604 exposures occurred across the study period (IR, 7.10; 95% CI, 4.81-10.50). Weekly and seasonal cumulative median head impact frequencies were 1.00 (range, 0-2.63) and 7.50 (range, 0-21.00), respectively. The most frequent estimated head impact locations were the skull base (n = 96; 22.4%), top of the head (n = 74; 17.2%), and back of the head (n = 66; 15.4%). The combined event type IRs differed among the 3 seasons (IRR range, 1.45-2.68). Games produced greater IRs (IRR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53) and peak linear acceleration (mean difference, 5.69g; P = .008) than did practices. Older players demonstrated greater combined event-type IRs (IRR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.12-1.90) and increased head impact magnitudes than did younger players, with every 1-year age increase associated with a 3.78g and 602.81-rad/s2 increase in peak linear and rotational acceleration magnitude, respectively (P≤ .005). CONCLUSION Head IRs and magnitudes varied across seasons, thus highlighting multiple season and cohort data are valuable when providing estimates. Head IRs were relatively low across seasons, while linear and rotational acceleration magnitudes were relatively high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon B Lempke
- UGA Concussion Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel S Johnson
- UGA Concussion Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel K Le
- UGA Concussion Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Melissa N Anderson
- UGA Concussion Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Julianne D Schmidt
- UGA Concussion Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert C Lynall
- UGA Concussion Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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38
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Johnson B, Walter AE, Wilkes JR, Papa L, Slobounov SM. Changes in White Matter of the Cervical Spinal Cord after a Single Season of Collegiate Football. Neurotrauma Rep 2021; 2:84-93. [PMID: 34223548 PMCID: PMC8240824 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2020.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS), specifically the white matter tracts in the cervical spinal cord, was examined with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) following exposure to repetitive head acceleration events (HAEs) after a single season of collegiate football. Fifteen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 football players underwent DTI of the cervical spinal cord (vertebral level C1–4) at pre-season (before any contact practices began) and post-season (within 1 week of the last regular season game) intervals. Helmet accelerometer data were also collected in parallel throughout the season. From pre-season to post-season, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of axial diffusivity was seen within the right spino-olivary tract. In addition, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in global white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) along with increases (p < 0.05) in global white matter mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD) were found. These changes in FA from pre-season to post-season were significantly moderated by previous concussion history (p < 0.05) and number of HAEs over 80 g (p < 0.05). Despite the absence of sports-related concussion (SRC), we present measurable changes in the white matter integrity of the cervical spinal cord suggesting injury from repetitive HAEs, or SRC, may include the entirety of the CNS, not just the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Johnson
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Alexa E Walter
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James R Wilkes
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Linda Papa
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, Florida, USA.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Semyon M Slobounov
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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39
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Sarmiento K, Waltzman D, Devine O, Zhang X, DePadilla L, Kresnow MJ, Borradaile K, Hurwitz A, Jones D, Goyal R, Breiding MJ. Differences in Head Impact Exposures Between Youth Tackle and Flag Football Games and Practices: Potential Implications for Prevention Strategies. Am J Sports Med 2021; 49:2218-2226. [PMID: 33999722 PMCID: PMC8335321 DOI: 10.1177/03635465211011754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interventions designed to reduce the risk for head impacts and concussion in youth football have increased over the past decade; however, understanding of the role of regular game play on head impact exposure among youth tackle and flag football athletes is currently limited. PURPOSE To explore head impact exposure among youth tackle and flag football athletes (age range, 6-14 years) during both practices and games. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS Using the Vector MouthGuard sensor, the authors collected head impact data from 524 tackle and flag youth football athletes over the course of a football season. Quantities of interest were estimated from regression models using Bayesian methods. RESULTS For impacts ≥10g, a tackle football athlete had an estimated 17.55 (95% CI, 10.78-28.96) times more head impacts per practice compared with a flag football athlete (6.85 [95% CI, 6.05-7.76] and 0.39 [95% CI, 0.24-0.62] head impacts, respectively). Additionally, a tackle football athlete had an estimated 19.48 (95% CI, 12.74-29.98) times more head impacts per game compared with a flag football athlete (13.59 [95% CI, 11.97-15.41] and 0.70 [95% CI, 0.46-1.05] head impacts, respectively). Among tackle football athletes, the estimated average impact rate was 6.51 (95% CI, 5.75-7.37) head impacts during a practice and 12.97 (95% CI, 11.36-14.73) impacts during a game, resulting in 2.00 (95% CI, 1.74-2.29) times more ≥10g head impacts in games versus practices. Tackle football athletes had 2.06 (95% CI, 1.80-2.34) times more high-magnitude head impacts (≥40g) during a game than during a practice. On average, flag football athletes experienced an estimated 0.37 (95% CI, 0.20-0.60) head impacts during a practice and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.53-1.06) impacts during a game, resulting in 2.06 (95% CI, 1.29-3.58) times more ≥10g head impacts in games versus practices. Because of model instability caused by a large number of zero impacts for flag football athletes, a comparison of high-magnitude head impacts is not reported for practices or games. CONCLUSION This study provides a characterization of the head impact exposure of practices and games among a large population of youth tackle and flag football athletes aged 6 to 14 years. These findings suggest that a greater focus on game-based interventions, such as fair play interventions and strict officiating, may be beneficial to reduce head impact exposures for youth football athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Sarmiento
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Injury Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Address correspondence to Kelly Sarmiento, MPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Injury Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS S106-09, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA ()
| | - Dana Waltzman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Injury Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Xinjian Zhang
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Injury Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lara DePadilla
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marcie-Jo Kresnow
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Injury Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - David Jones
- Mathematica Policy Inc, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ravi Goyal
- Mathematica Policy Inc, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Matthew J. Breiding
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Injury Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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40
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DiGuglielmo DM, Milef GM, Moore JB, Kelley ME, Powers AK, Stitzel JD, Urban JE. Effect of Coach Feedback and Awareness of Head Impact Exposure on Practice Structure in Youth Football. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:1389-1398. [PMID: 33397198 PMCID: PMC8082724 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the concern of concussion risk and repetitive head impacts in youth football, organizations have adopted rules that limit contact during practice. However, rule changes are not ubiquitous among organizations and are challenging to monitor and enforce. Ultimately, football practice activities are determined by coaches, but it is unknown whether providing objective data to coaches relating activities to their athletes' head impact exposure (HIE) would alter practice structure or help reduce HIE. This study evaluated the effect of coach awareness of HIE on practice structure over time. Head impact data from three intervention (56 players) and three control (38 players) teams were collected over two youth football seasons. Athletes were instrumented with the Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System and time-synchronized video was recorded for practices and games. Impact frequencies and head accelerations were compiled into weekly HIE practice and game reports and shared with the head coach of each intervention team. Time per drill, impact rate, and impact magnitude were compared across three time frames (pre-season, mid-season, and late-season) using generalized linear models. Control teams had higher impact rates than intervention teams in all drills across time frames. Among all teams, 95th percentile linear and rotational accelerations were highest during mid-season. Among intervention teams, more time was spent on scrimmage and skill development from pre-season to late-season, with less time spent on tackling. This study suggests that receiving objective data informing HIE in practice may contribute to changes in practice structure and help inform intervention efforts to improve head impact safety in football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella M. DiGuglielmo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Virginia Tech–Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gabriella M. Milef
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Virginia Tech–Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Justin B. Moore
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mireille E. Kelley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Virginia Tech–Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexander K. Powers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joel D. Stitzel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Virginia Tech–Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jillian E. Urban
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Virginia Tech–Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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41
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Effects of combat sports on functional network connectivity in adolescents. Neuroradiology 2021; 63:1863-1871. [PMID: 33912982 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02713-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the effects of combat sports on functional network connectivity (FNC) in healthy adolescents. METHODS Resting-state fMRI data were acquired from the combat sports (CS) group (n = 32) and non-athlete healthy control (HC) group (n = 29). Resting-state networks (RSNs) were obtained based on independent component analysis (ICA), and FNC analysis was performed. Then, the intra-network and inter-network connections were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Compared with the HC group, the CS group demonstrated increased intra-network FC within the sensorimotor network (SMN), visual network (VIN), and cerebellum network (P < 0.01, FDR correction). Besides, decreased inter-network FC was found in the SMN-VIN, SMN-auditory network, SMN-default mode network, attention network (AN)-VIN, and AN-executive control network connections (P < 0.01, FDR correction). CONCLUSION This study showed a complex relationship between combat sports and FNC in adolescents. The observed FNC patterns in the CS group may reflect training-related brain network optimization, early signs of subclinical brain damage, or preexisting differences. The extensive effects of combat sports on FNC in adolescents could expand our understanding of neuromodulatory mechanisms.
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42
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Bartnik-Olson BL, Alger JR, Babikian T, Harris AD, Holshouser B, Kirov II, Maudsley AA, Thompson PM, Dennis EL, Tate DF, Wilde EA, Lin A. The clinical utility of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in traumatic brain injury: recommendations from the ENIGMA MRS working group. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:504-525. [PMID: 32797399 PMCID: PMC7882010 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00330-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proton (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides a non-invasive and quantitative measure of brain metabolites. Traumatic brain injury impacts cerebral metabolism and a number of research groups have successfully used this technique as a biomarker of injury and/or outcome in both pediatric and adult TBI populations. However, this technique is underutilized, with studies being performed primarily at centers with access to MR research support. In this paper we present a technical introduction to the acquisition and analysis of in vivo 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and review 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings in different injury populations. In addition, we propose a basic 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy data acquisition scheme (Supplemental Information) that can be added to any imaging protocol, regardless of clinical magnetic resonance platform. We outline a number of considerations for study design as a way of encouraging the use of 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the study of traumatic brain injury, as well as recommendations to improve data harmonization across groups already using this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffry R Alger
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- NeuroSpectroScopics LLC, Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Talin Babikian
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ashley D Harris
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research Program, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Barbara Holshouser
- Department of Radiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Ivan I Kirov
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research (CAI2R), Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew A Maudsley
- Department of Radiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, Engineering, and Ophthalmology, USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily L Dennis
- Imaging Genetics Center, Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David F Tate
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Wilde
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Lin
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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43
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DeSimone JC, Davenport EM, Urban J, Xi Y, Holcomb JM, Kelley ME, Whitlow CT, Powers AK, Stitzel JD, Maldjian JA. Mapping default mode connectivity alterations following a single season of subconcussive impact exposure in youth football. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:2529-2545. [PMID: 33734521 PMCID: PMC8090779 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive head impact (RHI) exposure in collision sports may contribute to adverse neurological outcomes in former players. In contrast to a concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, “subconcussive” RHIs represent a more frequent and asymptomatic form of exposure. The neural network‐level signatures characterizing subconcussive RHIs in youth collision‐sport cohorts such as American Football are not known. Here, we used resting‐state functional MRI to examine default mode network (DMN) functional connectivity (FC) following a single football season in youth players (n = 50, ages 8–14) without concussion. Football players demonstrated reduced FC across widespread DMN regions compared with non‐collision sport controls at postseason but not preseason. In a subsample from the original cohort (n = 17), players revealed a negative change in FC between preseason and postseason and a positive and compensatory change in FC during the offseason across the majority of DMN regions. Lastly, significant FC changes, including between preseason and postseason and between in‐ and off‐season, were specific to players at the upper end of the head impact frequency distribution. These findings represent initial evidence of network‐level FC abnormalities following repetitive, non‐concussive RHIs in youth football. Furthermore, the number of subconcussive RHIs proved to be a key factor influencing DMN FC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse C. DeSimone
- Advanced Neuroscience Imaging Research (ANSIR) LaboratoryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Elizabeth M. Davenport
- Advanced Neuroscience Imaging Research (ANSIR) LaboratoryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Jillian Urban
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest School of Biomedical EngineeringWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Yin Xi
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - James M. Holcomb
- Advanced Neuroscience Imaging Research (ANSIR) LaboratoryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Mireille E. Kelley
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest School of Biomedical EngineeringWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Christopher T. Whitlow
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest School of Biomedical EngineeringWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Radiology – NeuroradiologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Clinical and Translational Sciences InstituteWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Alexander K. Powers
- Department of NeurosurgeryWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Joel D. Stitzel
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest School of Biomedical EngineeringWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Clinical and Translational Sciences InstituteWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Childress Institute for Pediatric TraumaWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Joseph A. Maldjian
- Advanced Neuroscience Imaging Research (ANSIR) LaboratoryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
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Miller LE, Urban JE, Davenport EM, Powers AK, Whitlow CT, Maldjian JA, Stitzel JD. Brain Strain: Computational Model-Based Metrics for Head Impact Exposure and Injury Correlation. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:1083-1096. [PMID: 33258089 PMCID: PMC10032321 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02685-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Athletes participating in contact sports are exposed to repetitive subconcussive head impacts that may have long-term neurological consequences. To better understand these impacts and their effects, head impacts are often measured during football to characterize head impact exposure and estimate injury risk. Despite widespread use of kinematic-based metrics, it remains unclear whether any single metric derived from head kinematics is well-correlated with measurable changes in the brain. This shortcoming has motivated the increasing use of finite element (FE)-based metrics, which quantify local brain deformations. Additionally, quantifying cumulative exposure is of increased interest to examine the relationship to brain changes over time. The current study uses the atlas-based brain model (ABM) to predict the strain response to impacts sustained by 116 youth football athletes and proposes 36 new, or derivative, cumulative strain-based metrics that quantify the combined burden of head impacts over the course of a season. The strain-based metrics developed and evaluated for FE modeling and presented in the current study present potential for improved analytics over existing kinematically-based and cumulative metrics. Additionally, the findings highlight the importance of accounting for directional dependence and expand the techniques to explore spatial distribution of the strain response throughout the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan E Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 N. Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University, 575 N. Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
| | - Jillian E Urban
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 N. Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University, 575 N. Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Davenport
- Department of Radiology, Southwestern Medical School, University of Texas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Alexander K Powers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 N. Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Christopher T Whitlow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 N. Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Joseph A Maldjian
- Department of Radiology, Southwestern Medical School, University of Texas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Joel D Stitzel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 575 N. Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University, 575 N. Patterson Avenue, Suite 530, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
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Waltzman D, Sarmiento K, Devine O, Zhang X, DePadilla L, Kresnow MJ, Borradaile K, Hurwitz A, Jones D, Goyal R, Breiding MJ. Head Impact Exposures Among Youth Tackle and Flag American Football Athletes. Sports Health 2021; 13:454-462. [PMID: 33618557 PMCID: PMC8404728 DOI: 10.1177/1941738121992324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Promoted as a safer alternative to tackle football, there has been an increase in flag football participation in recent years. However, examinations of head impact exposure in flag football as compared with tackle football are currently limited. Hypothesis: Tackle football athletes will have a greater number and magnitude of head impacts compared with flag football athletes. Study Design: Cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Using mouthguard sensors, this observational, prospective cohort study captured data on the number and magnitude of head impacts among 524 male tackle and flag football athletes (6-14 years old) over the course of a single football season. Estimates of interest based on regression models used Bayesian methods to estimate differences between tackle and flag athletes. Results: There were 186,239 head impacts recorded during the study. Tackle football athletes sustained 14.67 (95% CI 9.75-21.95) times more head impacts during an athletic exposure (game or practice) compared with flag football athletes. Magnitude of impact for the 50th and 95th percentile was 18.15g (17.95-18.34) and 52.55g (51.06-54.09) for a tackle football athlete and 16.84g (15.57-18.21) and 33.51g (28.23-39.08) for a flag football athlete, respectively. A tackle football athlete sustained 23.00 (13.59-39.55) times more high-magnitude impacts (≥40g) per athletic exposure compared with a flag football athlete. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that youth athletes who play tackle football are more likely to experience a greater number of head impacts and are at a markedly increased risk for high-magnitude impacts compared with flag football athletes. Clinical Relevance: These results suggest that flag football has fewer head impact exposures, which potentially minimizes concussion risk, making it a safer alternative for 6- to 14-year-old youth football athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Waltzman
- Dana Waltzman, PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA 30341 ()
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Macy JT, Kercher K, Steinfeldt JA, Kawata K. Fewer US Adolescents Playing Football and Public Health: A Review of Measures to Improve Safety and an Analysis of Gaps in the Literature. Public Health Rep 2021; 136:562-574. [PMID: 33602026 DOI: 10.1177/0033354920976553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity during adolescence is associated with positive health outcomes, yet only 26% of US middle and high school students report daily physical activity. Moreover, the number of high school students playing a sport is declining, with the largest decline in football. One reason for this decline in playing football may be increased attention to the risk of head injury. For public health, the decline is alarming because football offers a physical activity opportunity for millions of young people every year. In response, efforts have been made to institute measures to enhance the safety of football. The objective of this topical review was to review these measures and the data supporting their effectiveness. We conducted a search of scientific literature supplemented by a web search to identify safety measures. We used the Indiana University library electronic database, PubMed, and web browser searches with specific search terms. In addition to peer-reviewed studies, we searched news stories and reports from sport-related organizations. We summarized the measures and evaluations of effectiveness and categorized the measures by type (game rules, practice guidelines, equipment innovations, strategic initiatives) and target age group (elementary/middle school, high school, college, professional). We found that attempts are being made to improve the safety of football at all levels. However, many measures lack scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Therefore, researchers need to systematically evaluate safety measures. By implementing evidence-based interventions, we can balance the public health risk of playing football versus the public health risk of continued declines in participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Macy
- 1771 Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Kyle Kercher
- 1771 Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Jesse A Steinfeldt
- Department of Counseling Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Head impact exposure (HIE) in youth football is a public health concern. The objective of this study was to determine if one season of HIE in youth football was related to cognitive changes. METHOD Over 200 participants (ages 9-13) wore instrumented helmets for practices and games to measure the amount of HIE sustained over one season. Pre- and post-season neuropsychological tests were completed. Test score changes were calculated adjusting for practice effects and regression to the mean and used as the dependent variables. Regression models were calculated with HIE variables predicting neuropsychological test score changes. RESULTS For the full sample, a small effect was found with season average rotational values predicting changes in list-learning such that HIE was related to negative score change: standardized beta (β) = -.147, t(205) = -2.12, and p = .035. When analyzed by age clusters (9-10, 11-13) and adding participant weight to models, the R2 values increased. Splitting groups by weight (median split), found heavier members of the 9-10 cohort with significantly greater change than lighter members. Additionaly, significantly more participants had clinically meaningful negative changes: X2 = 10.343, p = .001. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that in the 9-10 age cluster, the average seasonal level of HIE had inverse, negative relationships with cognitive change over one season that was not found in the older group. The mediation effects of age and weight have not been explored previously and appear to contribute to the effects of HIE on cognition in youth football players.
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The Effect of Player Contact Characteristics on Head Impact Exposure in Youth Football Games. J Appl Biomech 2021; 37:145-155. [PMID: 33482629 DOI: 10.1123/jab.2020-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To reduce head impact exposure (HIE) in youth football, further understanding of the context in which head impacts occur and the associated biomechanics is needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of contact characteristics on HIE during player versus player contact scenarios in youth football. Head impact data and time-synchronized video were collected from 4 youth football games over 2 seasons in which opposing teams were instrumented with the Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System. Coded contact characteristics included the player's role in the contact, player speed and body position, contact height, type, and direction, and head contact surface. Head accelerations were compared among the contact characteristics using mixed-effects models. Among 72 instrumented athletes, 446 contact scenarios (n = 557 impacts) with visible opposing instrumented players were identified. When at least one player had a recorded impact, players who were struck tended to have higher rotational acceleration than players in striking positions. When both players had a recorded impact, lighter players and taller players experienced higher mean head accelerations compared with heavier players and shorter players. Understanding the factors influencing HIE during contact events in football may help inform methods to reduce head injury risk.
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Rowson B, Duma SM. A Review of On-Field Investigations into the Biomechanics of Concussion in Football and Translation to Head Injury Mitigation Strategies. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 48:2734-2750. [PMID: 33200263 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02684-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This review paper summarizes the scientific advancements in the field of concussion biomechanics in American football throughout the past five decades. The focus is on-field biomechanical data collection, and the translation of that data to injury metrics and helmet evaluation. On-field data has been collected with video analysis for laboratory reconstructions or wearable head impact sensors. Concussion biomechanics have been studied across all levels of play, from youth to professional, which has allowed for comparison of head impact exposure and injury tolerance between different age groups. In general, head impact exposure and injury tolerance increase with increasing age. Average values for concussive head impact kinematics are lower for youth players in both linear and rotational acceleration. Head impact data from concussive and non-concussive events have been used to develop injury metrics and risk functions for use in protective equipment evaluation. These risk functions have been used to evaluate helmet performance for each level of play, showing substantial differences in the ability of different helmet models to reduce concussion risk. New advances in head impact sensor technology allow for biomechanical measurements in helmeted and non-helmeted sports for a more complete understanding of concussion tolerance in different demographics. These sensors along with advances in finite element modeling will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of injury and human tolerance to head impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Rowson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Stefan M Duma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Huibregtse ME, Nowak MK, Kim JE, Kalbfell RM, Koppineni A, Ejima K, Kawata K. Does acute soccer heading cause an increase in plasma S100B? A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239507. [PMID: 33096545 PMCID: PMC7584162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test the effect of subconcussive head impacts on acute changes in plasma S100B. In this randomized controlled trial, 79 healthy adult soccer players were randomly assigned to either the heading (n = 41) or kicking-control groups (n = 38). The heading group executed 10 headers with soccer balls projected at a speed of 25 mph, whereas the kicking-control group performed 10 kicks. Plasma samples were obtained at pre-, 0h post-, 2h post- and 24h post-intervention and measured for S100B. The primary hypothesis was that there would be a significant group difference (group-by-time interaction) in plasma S100B at 2h post-intervention. Secondary hypotheses included (1) no significant group differences in plasma S100B concentrations at 0h post- and 24h post-intervention; (2) a significant within-group increase in S100B concentrations in the heading group at 2h post-intervention compared to pre-intervention; and (3) no significant within-group changes in plasma S100B in the kicking-control group. Data from 68 subjects were available for analysis (heading n = 37, kicking n = 31). There were no differences in S100B concentrations between heading and kicking groups over time, as evidenced by nonsignificant group-by-time interaction at 2h post-intervention (B = 2.20, 95%CI [-22.22, 26.63], p = 0.86) and at all the other time points (0h post: B = -11.05, 95%CI [-35.37, 13.28], p = 0.38; 24h post: B = 16.11, 95%CI [-8.29, 40.51], p = 0.20). Part of the secondary outcome, the heading group showed elevation in plasma S100B concentrations at 24h post-intervention compared to pre-heading baseline (B = 19.57, 95%CI [3.13, 36.02], p = 0.02), whereas all other within-group comparisons in both remained nonsignificant. The data suggest that 10 bouts of acute controlled soccer headings do not elevate S100B concentrations up to 24-hour post-heading. Further dose-response studies with longer follow-up time points may help determine thresholds of acute soccer heading exposure that are related to astrocyte activation. The protocol was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03488381; retrospectively registered.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Huibregtse
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Madeleine K. Nowak
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Joseph E. Kim
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Rachel M. Kalbfell
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Alekhya Koppineni
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Keisuke Ejima
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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