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Zimmerman KA, Hain JA, Graham NSN, Rooney EJ, Lee Y, Del-Giovane M, Parker TD, Friedland D, Cross MJ, Kemp S, Wilson MG, Sylvester RJ, Sharp DJ. Prospective cohort study of long-term neurological outcomes in retired elite athletes: the Advanced BiomaRker, Advanced Imaging and Neurocognitive (BRAIN) Health Study protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082902. [PMID: 38663922 PMCID: PMC11043776 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although limited, recent research suggests that contact sport participation might have an adverse long-term effect on brain health. Further work is required to determine whether this includes an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease and/or subsequent changes in cognition and behaviour. The Advanced BiomaRker, Advanced Imaging and Neurocognitive Health Study will prospectively examine the neurological, psychiatric, psychological and general health of retired elite-level rugby union and association football/soccer players. METHODS AND ANALYSIS 400 retired athletes will be recruited (200 rugby union and 200 association football players, male and female). Athletes will undergo a detailed clinical assessment, advanced neuroimaging, blood testing for a range of brain health outcomes and neuropsychological assessment longitudinally. Follow-up assessments will be completed at 2 and 4 years after baseline visit. 60 healthy volunteers will be recruited and undergo an aligned assessment protocol including advanced neuroimaging, blood testing and neuropsychological assessment. We will describe the previous exposure to head injuries across the cohort and investigate relationships between biomarkers of brain injury and clinical outcomes including cognitive performance, clinical diagnoses and psychiatric symptom burden. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Relevant ethical approvals have been granted by the Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 17/LO/2066). The study findings will be disseminated through manuscripts in clinical/academic journals, presentations at professional conferences and through participant and stakeholder communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl A Zimmerman
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Injury Studies, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jessica A Hain
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Neil S N Graham
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Injury Studies, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Erin Jane Rooney
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Ying Lee
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Martina Del-Giovane
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas D Parker
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, The Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Daniel Friedland
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Cross
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Premiership Rugby, London, UK
| | - Simon Kemp
- Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mathew G Wilson
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
- HCA Healthcare Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Richard J Sylvester
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
- Acute Stroke and Brain Injury Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - David J Sharp
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Injury Studies, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Montero A, Baranoff J, Adams R, Drummond M. Athletic retirement: factors contributing to sleep and mental health problems. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1350925. [PMID: 38558779 PMCID: PMC10978592 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1350925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this investigation was to determine which factors were associated with symptoms of sleep and mental health disorders in former athletes. Methods Former athletes (N = 173, 50% women) who retired from any competition level within the last 20 years participated in an online survey. The survey consisted of the Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ), Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult (PWI-A), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R), and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7). Results Binary logistic regressions revealed that both age (OR = 0.95 [95% CI:0.92, 0.99], p = 0.007) and gender (OR = 2.28 [95% CI:1.09, 4.79], p = 0.029) were associated with anxiety, with women and younger ex-athletes presenting greater risk of anxiety symptoms. Higher body mass was associated with an increased risk for sleep difficulty (OR = 1.13 [95% CI:1.03, 1.23], p = 0.008), sleep disordered breathing (OR = 1.20 [95% CI:1.10, 1.30], p < 0.001), and compromised wellbeing (OR = 0.89 [95% CI:0.83, 0.96], p = 0.001). Athletes who subjectively placed a lower priority on sport while competing presented greater risk of sleep disordered breathing (OR = 2.00[95% CI:1.05, 3.80], p = 0.035). No associations between recency retirement and any outcome measures were observed. Discussion Findings suggest potential predictive factors for difficulty transitioning out of sport. Future longitudinal research should consider the interplay between sport re-engagement and the incidence and chronicity of sleep and mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Montero
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Sport, Health, Activity, Performance and Exercise (SHAPE) Research Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Sleep Health, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - John Baranoff
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert Adams
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Sleep Health, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Murray Drummond
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Sport, Health, Activity, Performance and Exercise (SHAPE) Research Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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Rosenbloom C, Okholm Kryger K, Carmody S, Broman D. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in football - a "Keeping SCORE" approach to judicious use. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024; 8:1-5. [PMID: 36271815 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2140189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in elite sport is high, with football being no exception. Increased awareness of significant adverse drug reactions from published research and retired players commentary in the media have made the topic mainstream. Despite this increased awareness, usage rates show no sign of significantly reducing. Footballers, like all elite athletes are focused on maximising their performance and potential - even at the expense of their long-term health. An educational intervention prior to the 2010 FIFA Men's World Cup aimed at reducing rates was ineffective, suggesting that education alone is not the answer. Our author group propose a 'safer use' rather than 'no use' of NSAIDs in football. A 'Keeping SCORE' approach is suggested, designed as a prescribing aid. The approach guides medical staff towards focusing on Safety checks, Clinical indication/judgement, Open dialogue, Recording, and Evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Rosenbloom
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Department, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Medical Department, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, London, UK
- The Football Association, Technical Directorate, Burton-upon-Trent, UK
| | - Katrine Okholm Kryger
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Department, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University Twickenham, Twickenham, UK
| | - Sean Carmody
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Broman
- The Football Association, Technical Directorate, Burton-upon-Trent, UK
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Batty GD, Frank P, Kujala UM, Sarna SJ, Kaprio J. Suicide and depression in former contact sports participants: population-based cohort study, systematic review, and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 60:102026. [PMID: 37396804 PMCID: PMC10314167 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Former participants in sports characterised by low intensity repetitive head impact appear to have elevated rates of later dementia, but links with other psychological health outcomes such as depression and suicide are uncertain. We quantified the occurrence of these endpoints in former contact sports athletes against general population controls using new data from a cohort study and a meta-analysis. Methods The cohort study comprised 2004 retired male athletes, who had competed internationally as amateurs for Finland across a range of sports, and 1385 general population controls. All study members were linked to mortality and hospitalisation registries. In the PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD42022352780), we searched PubMed and Embase to October 31 2022 for cohort studies that reported standard estimates of association and precision. Study-specific estimates were aggregated in a random-effect meta-analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to appraise the quality of each study. Findings In survival analyses of the Finnish cohort data, former boxers (depression: hazard ratio 1.43 [95% CI 0.73, 2.78]; suicide: 1.75 [0.64, 4.38]), Olympic-style wrestlers (depression: 0.94 [0.44, 2.00]; suicide: 1.60 [0.64, 3.99]), and soccer players (depression: 0.62 [0.26, 1.48]; suicide: 0.50 [0.11, 2.16]) did not have statistically higher rates of major depressive disorder or suicide at follow-up relative to controls. In the systematic review, 7 cohort studies met inclusion criteria. After aggregating results with the Finnish cohort, retired soccer players appeared to have a lower risk of depression (summary risk ratio: 0.71 [0.54, 0.93]) relative to general population controls, while the rate of suicide was statistically the same across groups (0.70 [0.40, 1.23]). Past participation in American football seemed to be associated with some protection against suicide (0.58 [0.43, 0.80]) but there were insufficient studies of depression in this sport to facilitate aggregation. The aggregation of results from the soccer and American football studies showed directionally consistent relationships and there was no indication of inter-study heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Interpretation Based on a small cluster of studies exclusively comprising men, retired soccer players had a lower rate of later depression and former American football players had a lower risk of suicide relative to comparator groups. Whether these findings are generalisable to women requires testing. Funding The preparation of this manuscript was unfunded.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. David Batty
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Philipp Frank
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Urho M. Kujala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Seppo J. Sarna
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Iverson GL, Castellani RJ, Cassidy JD, Schneider GM, Schneider KJ, Echemendia RJ, Bailes JE, Hayden KA, Koerte IK, Manley GT, McNamee M, Patricios JS, Tator CH, Cantu RC, Dvorak J. Examining later-in-life health risks associated with sport-related concussion and repetitive head impacts: a systematic review of case-control and cohort studies. Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:810-821. [PMID: 37316187 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-106890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Concern exists about possible problems with later-in-life brain health, such as cognitive impairment, mental health problems and neurological diseases, in former athletes. We examined the future risk for adverse health effects associated with sport-related concussion, or exposure to repetitive head impacts, in former athletes. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL Plus and SPORTDiscus in October 2019 and updated in March 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies measuring future risk (cohort studies) or approximating that risk (case-control studies). RESULTS Ten studies of former amateur athletes and 18 studies of former professional athletes were included. No postmortem neuropathology studies or neuroimaging studies met criteria for inclusion. Depression was examined in five studies in former amateur athletes, none identifying an increased risk. Nine studies examined suicidality or suicide as a manner of death, and none found an association with increased risk. Some studies comparing professional athletes with the general population reported associations between sports participation and dementia or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as a cause of death. Most did not control for potential confounding factors (eg, genetic, demographic, health-related or environmental), were ecological in design and had high risk of bias. CONCLUSION Evidence does not support an increased risk of mental health or neurological diseases in former amateur athletes with exposure to repetitive head impacts. Some studies in former professional athletes suggest an increased risk of neurological disorders such as ALS and dementia; these findings need to be confirmed in higher quality studies with better control of confounding factors. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022159486.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Iverson
- Sports Concussion Program, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rudolph J Castellani
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - J David Cassidy
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoff M Schneider
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kathryn J Schneider
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ruben J Echemendia
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- University Orthopedic Centre, Concussion Care Clinic, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julian E Bailes
- Department of Neurosurgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - K Alix Hayden
- Libraries and Cultural Resources, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Inga K Koerte
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Manley
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael McNamee
- Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Jon S Patricios
- Wits Sport and Health (WiSH), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Charles H Tator
- Department of Surgery and Division of Neurosurgery, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Concussion Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert C Cantu
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center, Emerson Hospital, Concord, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jiri Dvorak
- Schulthess Clinic Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Carmody S, Anemaat K, Massey A, Kerkhoffs G, Gouttebarge V. Health conditions among retired professional footballers: a scoping review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2022; 8:e001196. [PMID: 35528132 PMCID: PMC9036466 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001196] [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] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To conduct a scoping review providing an overview of the health conditions occuring in retired male and female professional footballers, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal, mental, neurocognitive, cardiovascular and reproductive health conditions. Methods In January 2022, a comprehensive systematic literature search in three databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, SPORTDiscus via EBSCOhost and EMBASE) was conducted for common health conditions among retired male and female professional footballers. Primary research studies (full text available online) which described the incidence or prevalence of a health condition (musculoskeletal, mental, neurocognitive, cardiovascular, reproductive) among retired male and female professional footballers were included for review. Case reports, qualitative research and grey literature were omitted. Results In total, 917 eligible articles were identified from the databases, with 41 meeting the eligibility criteria. Osteoarthritis of the hip, knee and ankle were found to be common among retired professional footballers. Mental health symptoms (eg, anxiety, depression) are experienced by retired male and female professional footballers. The incidence of neurocognitive disease appears to be higher among retired male professional footballers than among matched controls. There is very limited evidence examining the presence of health conditions in retired female professional footballers. Conclusion Osteoarthritis of the lower limb, musculoskeletal pain and mental health symptoms are common among retired professional footballers. Knowledge about the occurrence and timing of musculoskeletal, mental health and neurocognitive conditions among retired professional footballers can be used by a wide range of stakeholders to proactively intervene during and after a player’s career to mitigate risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Carmody
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Orthopedic Surgery, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Medical Department, Chelsea Football Club, London, UK
| | - Karlijn Anemaat
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Orthopedic Surgery, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew Massey
- Medical Department, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gino Kerkhoffs
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Orthopedic Surgery, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Sports, Ageing & Vitality, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Academic Center for Evidence based Sports medicine (ACES), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Collaboration on Health & Safety in Sports (ACHSS), AMC/VUmc IOC Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Gouttebarge
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Orthopedic Surgery, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Collaboration on Health & Safety in Sports (ACHSS), AMC/VUmc IOC Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Section Sports Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Football Players Worldwide (FIFPRO), Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
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Montero A, Stevens D, Adams R, Drummond M. Sleep and Mental Health Issues in Current and Former Athletes: A Mini Review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:868614. [PMID: 35465516 PMCID: PMC9023010 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.868614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep and mental health are important aspects of human health that work concurrently. However, sleep and mental health disorders are often overlooked and undiagnosed in sport due to the negative stigma associated with them. Evidence suggests that athletes are disproportionately affected by mental health issues and sleep problems. Internal and external pressures contribute to psychological distress. Variable competition times, travel and stress are detrimental to sleep quality. Retirement from sport can deteriorate sleep and psychological wellbeing, particularly for those who retired involuntarily and identify strongly with their athletic role. When untreated, these issues can manifest into a range of clinical disorders. This is concerning, not only for compromised athletic performance, but for general health and wellbeing beyond sport. Previous research has focussed on sleep and health independently among currently competing, or former, athletes. To date, no research has comprehensively assessed and compared sleep complaints and mental health issues between these two cohorts. Moreover, research has failed to obtain data across a variety of different competition levels, sports, and genders, leaving the current scope of the literature narrow. Comorbid conditions (e.g., concussion history, obesity), ex-college athletes, and mental health has been the focus of existing literature post-retirement. Future research would benefit from employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to comprehensively assess the prevalence and severity of sleep and mental health disorders across current and retired athletes. Research outcomes would inform education strategies, safeguarding athletes from these issues by reducing negative stigmas associated with help-seeking in sport and ultimately increase self-guided treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Montero
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Sport, Health, Activity, Performance and Exercise (SHAPE) Research Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - David Stevens
- Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Robert Adams
- Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Murray Drummond
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Sport, Health, Activity, Performance and Exercise (SHAPE) Research Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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Espahbodi S, Fernandes G, Hogervorst E, Thanoon A, Batt M, Fuller CW, Fuller G, Ferguson E, Bast T, Doherty M, Zhang W. Foot and ankle Osteoarthritis and Cognitive impairment in retired UK Soccer players (FOCUS): protocol for a cross-sectional comparative study with general population controls. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054371. [PMID: 35379624 PMCID: PMC8981329 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Professional footballers commonly experience sports-related injury and repetitive microtrauma to the foot and ankle, placing them at risk of subsequent chronic pain and osteoarthritis (OA) of the foot and ankle. Similarly, repeated heading of the ball, head/neck injuries and concussion have been implicated in later development of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. A recent retrospective study found that death from neurodegenerative diseases was higher among former professional soccer players compared with age matched controls. However, well-designed lifetime studies are still needed to provide evidence regarding the prevalence of these conditions and their associated risk factors in retired professional football players compared with the general male population. OBJECTIVES To determine whether former professional male footballers have a higher prevalence than the general male population of: (1) foot/ankle pain and radiographic OA; and (2) cognitive and motor impairments associated with dementia and Parkinson's disease. Secondary objectives are to identify specific football-related risk factors such as head impact/concussion for neurodegenerative conditions and foot/ankle injuries for chronic foot/ankle pain and OA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a cross-sectional, comparative study involving a questionnaire survey with subsamples of responders being assessed for cognitive function by telephone assessment, and foot/ankle OA by radiographic examination. A sample of 900 adult, male, ex professional footballers will be recruited and compared with a control group of 1100 age-matched general population men between 40 and 100 years old. Prevalence will be estimated per group. Poisson regression will be performed to determine prevalence ratio between the populations and logistic regression will be used to examine risk factors associated with each condition in footballers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the East Midlands-Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee on 23 January 2020 (REC ref: 19/EM/0354). The study results will be disseminated at national and international meetings and submitted for peer-review publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Espahbodi
- Academic Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Gwen Fernandes
- Academic Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Eef Hogervorst
- NCSEM, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Ahmed Thanoon
- Academic Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mark Batt
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Sports Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Gordon Fuller
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Eamonn Ferguson
- Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
| | - Tobias Bast
- Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
- Neuroscience@Nottingham, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
| | - Michael Doherty
- Academic Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Weiya Zhang
- Academic Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Runacres A, Mackintosh KA, McNarry MA. Health Consequences of an Elite Sporting Career: Long-Term Detriment or Long-Term Gain? A Meta-Analysis of 165,000 Former Athletes. Sports Med 2021; 51:289-301. [PMID: 33368029 PMCID: PMC7846545 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01379-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exercise is widely accepted to improve health, reducing the risk of premature mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. However, several epidemiological studies suggest that the exercise-longevity relationship may be 'J' shaped; with elite athlete's likely training above these intensity and volume thresholds. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to examine this relationship in former elite athletes. METHODS 38,047 English language articles were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed and SportDiscus databases published after 1970, of which 44 and 24 were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. Athletes were split into three groups depending on primary sport: Endurance (END), Mixed/Team, or power (POW). Standard mortality ratio's (SMR) and standard proportionate mortality ratio (SPMR) were obtained, or calculated, and combined for the meta-analysis. RESULTS Athletes lived significantly longer than the general population (male SMR 0.69 [95% CI 0.61-0.78]; female SMR 0.51 [95% CI 0.40-0.65]; both p < 0.01). There was no survival benefit for male POW athletes compared to the general population (SMR 1.04 [95% CI 0.91-1.12]). Although male athlete's CVD (SMR 0.73 [95% CI 0.62-0.85]) and cancer mortality (SMR 0.75 [95% CI 0.63-0.89]), were significantly reduced compared to the general population, there was no risk-reduction for POW athletes CVD mortality (SMR 1.10 [0.86-1.40]) or END athletes cancer mortality (SMR 0.73 [0.50-1.07]). There was insufficient data to calculate female sport-specific SMR's. DISCUSSION Overall, athletes live longer and have a reduced incidence of both CVD and cancer mortality compared to the general population, refuting the 'J' shape hypothesis. However, different health risks may be apparent according to sports classification, and between sexes, warranting further investigation. Trial registration PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42019130688).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Runacres
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Kelly A Mackintosh
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
| | - Melitta A McNarry
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
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Russell ER, McCabe T, Mackay DF, Stewart K, MacLean JA, Pell JP, Stewart W. Mental health and suicide in former professional soccer players. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 91:1256-1260. [PMID: 32694163 PMCID: PMC8747033 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-323315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is growing recognition of an association between contact sports participation and increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. In addition to cognitive impairment, a range of mental health disorders and suicidality are proposed as diagnostic features of traumatic encephalopathy syndrome, the putative clinical syndrome associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. However, to date, epidemiological data on contact sport participation and mental health outcomes are limited. METHODS For a cohort of former professional soccer players (n=7676) with known high neurodegenerative mortality and their matched general population controls (n=23 028), data on mental health outcomes were obtained by individual-level record linkage to national electronic records of hospital admissions and death certification. RESULTS Compared with matched population controls, former professional soccer players showed lower risk of hospital admission for anxiety and stress related disorders, depression, drug use disorders, alcohol use disorders and bipolar and affective mood disorders. Among soccer players, there was no significant difference in risk of hospitalisation for mental health disorders between outfield players and goalkeepers. There was no significant difference in rate of death by suicide between soccer players and controls. CONCLUSIONS Among a population of former professional soccer players with known high neurodegenerative disease mortality, hospital admissions for common mental health disorders were lower than population controls, with no difference in suicide. Our data provide support for the reappraisal of currently proposed diagnostic clinical criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome, in particular the inclusion of mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R Russell
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thomas McCabe
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniel F Mackay
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Katy Stewart
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Hampden Sports Clinic, Hampden Park, Glasgow, UK
| | - John A MacLean
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Hampden Sports Clinic, Hampden Park, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jill P Pell
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William Stewart
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK .,Department of Neuropathology, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
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