@article{ref1,
title="NFL blood levels are moderated by subconcussive impacts in a cohort of college football players",
journal="Brain injury",
year="2019",
author="Rubin, Leah H. and Tierney, Ryan and Kawata, Keisuke and Wesley, Leroy and Lee, Jong Hyun and Blennow, Kaj and Zetterberg, Henrik and Langford, Dianne",
volume="33",
number="4",
pages="456-462",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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: American football <p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0269-9052",
doi="10.1080/02699052.2019.1565895",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2019.1565895"
}