Citation

Alcock B, Gallant C, Good D. Addict. Behav. Rep. 2018; 7: 58-64.

Affiliation

Centre for Neuroscience, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.abrep.2018.02.001

PMID

29687074

PMCID

PMC5910453

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated concussion as a potential risk factor for increased alcohol consumption in university athletes.

METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, 41 university students (37% with a history of concussion) completed self-report measures, while electrodermal activation (EDA) was recorded for each participant to capture baseline physiological arousal.

RESULTS: As expected, concussion status significantly predicted alcohol consumption over and above athletic status, b = 0.34, p = 0.034, 95% CI [0.195, 4.832], such that those with a prior concussion history engaged in greater alcohol consumption. Importantly, concussion status also significantly predicted baseline physiological arousal, b = -0.39, p = 0.014, 95% CI [-0.979, -0.120], such that those with a history of concussion exhibited lower EDA.

CONCLUSIONS: Elevated alcohol consumption among athletes is a pronounced associate of concussion in sports and may be a behavioral reflection of disruption to the orbitofrontal cortex - an area implicated in inhibition.

Language: en

Keywords

Alcohol consumption; Arousal; Athletes; Concussion; EDA, electrodermal activation; Risk taking; SMH, Somatic Marker Hypothesis; TBI, traumatic brain injury; vmPFC, ventromedial prefrontal cortex