: This study investigated cerebral hemodynamic responses to a neurovascular coupling (NVC) test in retired contact athletes with a history of repeated mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and in ...controls with no history of mTBI.
: Twenty-one retired rugby players (47.7 ± 12.9 year old; age at retirement: 38.5 ± 8.9 year; number of years playing rugby: 12.7 ± 3.7 year) with a history of three or more diagnosed concussions (8.9 ± 7.9 concussions per player) and 23 controls with no history of mTBI (46.5 ± 12.8 year old) performed a NVC test to detect task-orientated cerebral hemodynamic changes using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
: The NVC showed a statistically significant reduction in the cerebral hemodynamic response in comparison to the control group which had a greater relative increase of oxyhemoglobin (O
Hb). There were reductions in left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) O
Hb (-0.015 ± 0.258 μM) and relative increases in deoxyhemoglobin (HHb; -0.004 ± 0.159 μM) in the same region for the mTBI group in comparison to the control group (-0.160 ± 0.311 μM; -0.121 ± 0.076 μM for O
Hb and HHb, respectively). The mTBI group induced a greater rate of oxygen extraction compared to the control group.
: This was the first study to examine cerebral hemodynamic changes in retired rugby players in response to a NVC test, and we found reduced cerebral hemodynamic responses in participants with a history of mTBI compared to controls. These results suggest altered cerebral metabolic demands in participants with a history of multiple head injuries. Further research is needed to ascertain an understanding of the changes in hemodynamics from playing into retirement.
The aim of this study was to examine brain neurometabolite concentrations in retired rugby league players who had a history of numerous self-reported concussions. Participants were 16 retired ...professional rugby league players (ages 30-45 years) with an extensive history of concussion and participation in contact sports, and 16 age- and education-matched controls who had no history of neurotrauma or participation in contact sports. All completed a clinical interview, psychological and cognitive testing, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) investigation. MRS voxels were placed in posterior cingulate grey matter and parietal white matter. Neurometabolite concentrations were quantified using LCModel. It was hypothesized that retired athletes would differ on N-acetyl aspartate, myo-inositol, choline, glutamate, and glutathione. Retired players had significantly lower concentrations of grey matter glutathione (p=0.02, d=0.91). They did not significantly differ in concentrations of other neurometabolites. There were no significant differences between groups on measures of depression, anxiety, or cognitive functioning. The retired athletes reported significantly greater alcohol use (p<0.01; Cohen's d=1.49), and they had worse manual dexterity using their non-dominant hand (p=0.03; d=1.08). These preliminary findings suggest that MRS might be modestly sensitive to biochemical differences in athletes after their athletic careers have ended in the absence of clinical differences in cognitive performance and self-reported psychological functioning.
Former collegiate athletes may be at risk for negative health outcomes such as lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), greater disablement, and lower lifetime physical activity (PA) ...participation. A history of severe sport injury may play a role in these outcomes.
To assess the role of prior sport injury in self-reported HRQoL, levels of disablement, and PA behaviors of former National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women's soccer players.
Cross-sectional study.
Online survey.
Former Division I women's soccer players (n = 382, age = 36.41 ± 7.76 years) provided demographics and injury history and completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (HRQoL), the Disablement in the Physically Active Scale (disablement), and the Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (PA).
The dependent variables were the physical and mental component summary scores for HRQoL and disablement and the frequency of moderate-to-vigorous PA. Means, SDs, and correlations among the main outcome variables were examined for those who reported a severe injury (n = 261) and those who did not (n = 121). To address our primary aim, we conducted multiple regression analyses to predict HRQoL, disablement, and PA based on a history of severe injury, accounting for age.
Having a severe injury significantly predicted worse physical HRQoL and worse physical disablement. Severe injury predicted a >2-point decrease and 5-point increase on the respective scales. Injury status did not predict mental HRQoL, mental disablement, or PA.
Most participants reported sustaining a prior severe soccer-related injury, which may have had a negative long-term effect on health outcomes for former women's soccer players. Athletic trainers should be aware of the risk for decreased HRQoL and increased disablement with injury and encourage continued monitoring of relevant patient-reported outcomes.
International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 76-92, 2021. Postural control is a major falls risk factor, therefore identifying protective mechanisms is essential. Physical activity enhances ...postural stability but effect duration has been minimally researched. The current study investigated if prolonged early life training exposure protected neuromuscular balance processes later in life. Static and dynamic balance variables were assessed in 77 healthy adults. Two age ranges (18 - 35yr, young; > 50yr, retired) were divided into weight bearing athlete and control groups; young athlete (YA), young control (YC), retired athlete (RA) and retired control (RC). Static balance was quantified using force platform derived sway velocity (mm.s-1) and C90area (mm2) data (stable and unstable surfaces, eyes open and closed) Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y balance test (YBT). Results demonstrated significant age effect across groups. However, an athletic effect was evident only assessing dynamic balance and static time to error variables. Mean time to error data (YA, 27.8 ± 5.8; YC, 20.5 ± 11.1; RA, 9.4 ± 8.5; RC, 8.6 ± 9.1 s) recorded significant age and athletic effects for the most challenging condition completed (single leg stance, eyes closed, stable surface). Mean maximum YBT composite score (YA, 90.0 ± 5.4%; YC, 83.6 ± 6.5%; RA, 80.8 ± 10.7%; RC, 72.4 ± 15.5%) demonstrated an age effect, and also identified a group effect in the retired cohorts. The current study supports research highlighting declined balance with ageing. Overall, former athleticism did not significantly enhance static balance in later life. Dynamic balance incorporates muscle strength possibly inferring a protective role in former athletes.
This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of multiple concussions on prefrontal cortex oxygenation during a neurovascular coupling activating task using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).
...Self-reported physically active males who previously participated in contact team sports at various levels of competition and who previously had experienced at least 3 concussions (n = 55; mTBI) or had no history of concussions (n = 29; CTRL) were recruited. Participants completed a 5 min “Where's Waldo” object identification protocol which consisted of participants closing their eyes for 20-s followed by 40-s (repeated 5 times over 5-min) of searching a computer screen for “Waldo” hidden in a field of distractors. NIRS (μM) was used to measure right and left prefrontal cortex cerebral oxygenation. Oxygenated (O2Hb), deoxygenated (HHb), total (tHb) haemoglobin, and haemoglobin difference (HbDiff) were analysed through the change in average maximal and minimal values (ΔMAX), Z-scores, and standard deviations.
There were no significant differences in the relative change in cerebral oxygenation of the right prefrontal cortex between groups. In mTBI, left prefrontal cortex HHb ΔMAX (p = 0.031) and tHb ΔMAX (p = 0.044) were significantly lower than in the CTRL group. Within-group, right vs. left prefrontal cortex differences showed significantly lower values in left HbDiff Z-scores (p = 0.019) in only the mTBI group while the CTRL group showed significantly lower values in left HbDiff SD (p = 0.045).
This preliminary study suggests that there are changes in prefrontal cortex oxygenation in males who had a history of experiencing multiple concussions in their past during a neurovascular coupling activating task. These changes may represent potential long-term effects in the brain's ability to adapt cerebral oxygenation during increased neural activity.
•Previous concussions may alter prefrontal cortex oxygenation during visual tasks.•Loss of normal variance between cerebral hemispheres with past concussions.•Potential impact on the ability of the brain to adapt to increased neural demands.
The aim of this study was to investigate changes in physical and motor fitness, as well as athletic identity, at post retirement from elite sport. Participants were 18 former and 18 current elite ...athletes. Both groups completed a range of physical and motor fitness tests. Current identity was assessed using the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS). The retired athletes completed the AIMS a second time, retrospectively reflecting on identity during their sporting careers. No differences were observed between current and retired athletes on measures of physical fitness; however, current athletes performed better on all tests of motor fitness. No significant differences were noted between current and retired athletes with regard to identity, nor between retired athletes' current and former identity. These results contribute to the limited extant literature examining physical and bodily changes post retirement. Physical rather than motor fitness may be more closely tied to identity.
Health related quality of life (HRQoL) and flourishing are constructs that encompasses a holistic representation of physical, psychological, and social health. The underlying psychological factors ...that can affect HRQoL and flourishing in sports participants is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to i) evaluate HRQoL (physical and mental-components) and flourishing in recreational and elite and current and former cricketers; ii) determine the effect of resilience, playing-standard, and playing status on HRQoL and flourishing in cricketers.
The Cricket Health and Wellbeing Study (n = 2598 current and former cricketers, aged ≥18 years) collected cross-sectional questionnaire data including the Flourishing Scale, Short Form-8 (physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores), resilience (European Social Survey), highest standard-of-play, and playing status. Multivariable linear regressions with fractional polynomials were utilised, adjusted for age, gender, total cricket-seasons, comorbidity, ≥ 4-week time-loss injury, and orthopaedic surgery.
Two thousand two hundred eighty individuals (aged (mean (SD)) 51.7(14.7) years, 61% played recreationally, 37% former cricketers) were included in analyses. The median (IQR) PCS was 51.4(46.9-55.9), MCS was 54.3(50.0-58.6), and Flourishing Scale score was 48 (1-7) .Greater resilience was associated with better PCS (effect (95% CI) 1.41(0.70-2.11)), MCS (4.78(4.09-5.48)), and flourishing (2.07(2.55-3.59)) compared to less resilience. Playing standard was not associated with HRQoL. Playing at an elite standard was associated with greater flourishing (1.21(0.68, 1.73)), compared with playing recreationally. Current cricket participation was associated with better PCS (3.61(2.92-4.30)) and flourishing scores (0.53(0.02-1.04)), compared to former cricket participation.
Cricketers reported high levels of mental-components of HRQoL and flourishing, and this was similar in recreational, elite, current and former cricketers. Current cricket participation and a higher standard-of-play was associated with greater flourishing. Current cricket participation was also associated with better PCS, however playing-status was not related to MCS. Further research is needed to understand if cricket participation may have psychological benefits that persist beyond cricket retirement.
은퇴선수들의 생활체육 럭비 동호회로의 재사회화 김범수; Bum Soo Kim; 박광호 ...
한국체육학회지,
03/2020, Volume:
59, Issue:
2
Journal Article
본 연구는 은퇴한 럭비 선수들이 생활체육 동호회로 참여하는 재사회화 현상에 관심을 가지고, 은퇴한 선수들이 생활체육럭비 동호회에 어떻게 참여하는지, 동호회에 참여하면서 어떤 활동을 하고 어떤 경험을 하는지, 동호회의 참여가 삶에 어떤 영향을 주는지, 은퇴 운동선수들이 모여 만든 동호회는 그들만의 어떤 문화를 가지고 있는지 탐색하는데 연구의 목적이 있다. ...질적연구 중 문화기술지 연구접근에 의하여 연구를 수행하였으며, 자료수집을 위해서 2019년 3월부터 4월까지 은퇴한 럭비선수 중 현재 생활체육 럭비 동호회에 참여하고 있는 연구참여자 12명이 심층면담에 참여하였다. 연구결과 은퇴럭비선수의 생활체육 럭비 동호회 참여에서 해방과 공급의 공동체로서 럭비로의 회귀와 향수, 억압된 것들로부터의 해방, 동병상련과 상호도움이 공동체의 의미를 도출하였고, 혼재된 정체성과 연장된 ‘섬 문화’ 로서 수직적 선후배 관계와 저항, 그들끼리만 모이는 폐쇄성, 엘리트 대회 같은 승부욕을 도출할 수 있었다.
This study focuses on the re-socialization phenomenon of retired rugby players participating in the sport club. The purpose of this study is to explore how retired athletes participate in the rugby club, what activities and experiences they participate in, and how the participation of clubs affects their lives and what kind of culture clubs what retired athletes participate have. In order to accomplish the purpose of this study, we conducted the research through the qualitative research. Data collection was conducted from March to April 2019. Among the retired rugby players, 12 study participants who are currently participating in the Rugby Club, participated in an in-depth interview. As a result, we derived these meanings on retirement rugby player's participation in rugby club that the return and nostalgia to the rugby, the liberation from the oppressed, co-operation and mutual help led to the meaning of the community. As an mixed identity and island culture, they were derived that vertical relationship with senior and resistance, obstructiveness that only gathers between them, competitions like elite athletes.
The effect of athletic participation on lifelong health among elite athletes has received increasing attention, as sport-related injuries can have a substantial influence on long-term health.
To ...determine the current health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of former National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes compared with noncollegiate athletes 5 years after an initial assessment.
Cohort study.
Online survey.
From the former Division I athletes, 193 responses were received (response rate = 83.2%; 128 men, 65 women; age = 58.47 ± 6.17 years), and from the noncollegiate athletes, 169 surveys were returned (response rate = 75.1%; 80 men, 89 women; age = 58.44 ± 7.28 years).
The independent variables were time (baseline, 5 years later) and group (former Division I athlete, noncollegiate athlete). Participants completed 7 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scales: sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain interference, physical function, and satisfaction with participation in social roles.
Sleep disturbance, depression, fatigue, pain, and physical function were significant for time × group interactions (P values < .05), with the largest differences seen in pain and physical function between groups at time point 2 (22.19 and 13.99 points, respectively). Former Division I athletes had worse scores for depression, fatigue, pain, and physical function at follow-up (P values < .05), with the largest differences seen on the depression, fatigue, and physical function scales (8.33, 6.23, and 6.61 points, respectively).
Because of the competitive nature of sport, the long-term risks of diminished HRQoL need to become a priority for health care providers and athletes during their athletic careers. Additionally, physical activity transition programs need to be explored to help senior student-athletes transition from highly structured and competitive collegiate athletics to lifestyle physical activity, as it appears that individuals in the noncollegiate athlete cohort engaged in more physical activity, weighed less, and had increased HRQoL.
A growing body of research suggests that American football players are exposed to higher cumulative head impact risk as competition level rises. Related literature finds that head impacts absorbed by ...youth, adolescent, and emerging adult players are associated with elevated risk of long-term health problems (e.g., neurodegenerative disease onset). Most National Football League (NFL) players enter the League as emerging adults (18-24 years old), a period of continued cognitive and overall physical development. However, no prior research has studied the effect of age-at-entry on long-term NFL player health. Hypothesis/Purpose: This study assesses whether early NFL player age-at-entry is associated with increased risk of early all-cause mortality, controlling for player position, BMI, year-of-entry, birth year, and NFL Draft round (expected ability upon League entry).
This retrospective cohort study included 9049 players who entered the NFL from 1970-2017 and subsequently played at least one game. The variables whether deceased, age-at-death, age-at-entry, and controls were collected from Pro Football Reference website, a leading data site for American football that has been used extensively in the literature. Data collection began on 13 July 2017, and follow-up ended on 1 July 2018. Statistical analysis was performed from 10 March 2020 to 3 August 2020. Data was validated by checking a large sub-sample of data points against alternative sources such as NFL.com and NFLsavant.com.
Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine variation in death hazard by NFL player age-at-entry, conditional upon a full set of controls.
Conditional on controls, Cox regression results indicate that a one-year increase in age-at-entry was significantly associated with a 14% decreased hazard-of-death (H.R., 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74-0.98). Among relatively young entering players, the increased hazard appears to be concentrated in the first quartile of players by age at League entry (20.2 to 22.3 years). Players
in this quartile exhibited a decreased hazard-of-death (H.R., 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.97) compared with players who entered at a relatively young (first quartile) age.
An earlier age-at-entry is associated with an increased hazard-of-death among NFL players. Currently, the NFL regulates age-at-entry only indirectly by requiring players to be 3 years removed from high school before becoming NFL Draft-eligible. Implementing a minimum age at entry for NFL players of 22 years and 4 months at beginning of season is expected to result in reduced mortality. What is known about this subject? There are no prior studies on the effects of NFL player age-at-entry on early mortality risk. What this study adds to existing knowledge: This study determines whether entering the NFL at an age of physical and physiological development is related to early mortality risk.
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