@article{17fa1f5cdf7f46f8a720337e8d49522f,
title = "NFL blood levels are moderated by subconcussive impacts in a cohort of college football players",
abstract = "Introduction: Repetitive subconcussive head impacts in contact/collision sports such as in US football are believed to contribute to long-term brain changes and chronic symptoms. However, the lack of tools to measure the effects of repeated subconcussion limits our understanding of potential contributions to neuropathological alterations including cellular damage. Methods: We examined subconcussive head impacts using an accelerometer-embedded mouthguard on changes in blood levels of neurofilament light (NFL) chain in 18 Division I college football players. Plasma levels of NFL and clinical symptoms were assessed at pre-post practices. The frequency and linear and rotational head accelerations recorded via the mouthguard were examined in relation to NFL plasma changes. Results: The frequency and magnitude of head impacts associated with increased NFL levels. The greater numbers of hits and head accelerations associated with greater pre- to post-practice NFL level increases (p < 0.05). Greater pre- to post-practice increases in NFL also associated with greater pre- to post-practice increases in S100β (p < 0.001), but not with total tau. Years of football experience and concussion history did not associate with changes in NFL. Conclusion: Acute changes in NFL may be a clinically useful peripheral marker in tracking acute brain damage in collegiate football players, and other contact sports.",
keywords = "Subconcussive, biomarker, head impact kinematics, neurofilament light chain, traumatic brain injury",
author = "Rubin, {Leah H.} and Ryan Tierney and Keisuke Kawata and Leroy Wesley and Lee, {Jong Hyun} and Kaj Blennow and Henrik Zetterberg and Dianne Langford",
note = "Funding Information: Dr. Dianne Langford{\textquoteright}s laboratory addresses the effects of TBI on CNS systems. In studies supported by the Army Research Laboratories, the Department of Defense and the National College Athletic Association, she conducts research to understand the effects of concussion on brain functioning and outcome. These highly integrated multidisciplinary studies concentrate not only on brain injury but also on injury prevention, recovery and resilience. Funding Information: Leah H. Rubin, PhD, MPH, Ryan Tierney, PhD, Keisuke Kawata, PhD, Leroy Wesley, Jong Hyun Lee, Kaj Blennow, MD, PhD, Henrik Zetterberg, MD, PhD and Dianne Langford, PhD have no commercial associations that might create a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted manuscript. This work was supported by generous support from Athole G. Jacobi, MD (to D. Langford), a seed grant from Temple University Office of the Vice Provost for Research (to D. Langford) and the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers{\textquoteright} Society research grant (to K. Kawata). Sponsors had no role in design or execution of the study; collection, management, analysis, or interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; or decision to submit the manuscript for publication. Funding Information: This work was supported by the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers{\textquoteright} Society; Temple University Office of the Vice Provost for Research [NA]; Athole Jacobi, MD [n/a]. We would like to thank Thomas Sim for assistance with data collection and Al Bellamy and Masahiro Takahagi for their assistance in working with the football team to make this study possible. The results of the study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation. The results of the present study do not constitute endorsement by ACSM. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2019, {\textcopyright} 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.",
year = "2019",
month = mar,
day = "21",
doi = "10.1080/02699052.2019.1565895",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "33",
pages = "456--462",
journal = "Brain Injury",
issn = "0269-9052",
publisher = "Informa Healthcare",
number = "4",
}