Changes In Cognitive Function, Neurotrophin Concentrations, And Both Brain And Systemic Inflammatory Markers Following A Game Of American Football

Abstract

PURPOSE: This investigation examined the effect of a simulated American football game on cognitive function, neurotrophin concentrations and markers of both systemic and brain inflammation. METHODS: Members of the Israel national team players (six linemen and nine skill position players) were examined one-week prior to (PRE), immediately-post (IP) and 24-hours-post (24P) game. Blood was obtained and cognitive function was measured at each assessment. RESULTS:No head injuries to any of the players participating in the study occurred. Significant (p < 0.001) decreases in acute memory and a trend (p = 0.066) towards a decrease in delayed memory were noted at IP. Significant negative correlations were observed between playing time (number of plays) and concentration changes from PRE to IP (r = -0.801, p = 0.001) and from PRE to 24P (r = -0.549, p = 0.034). All cognitive function measures returned to PRE levels by 24P. Increases from PRE were noted in TNF-α (p = 0.041) at IP, and in BDNF (p = 0.009) and CRP (p = 0.019) concentrations at 24P. Circulating CRP concentrations, and the cytokine markers IL-4, IL-6, IL10 and TNF-α, were significantly elevated in linemen compared to skill players. Brain inflammatory markers (S100B and GFAP) and total tau protein (a marker of brain injury) were not elevated from PRE. No change from PRE was noted in either myoglobin or creatine kinase-mm concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle damage and inflammatory marker responses observed from the scrimmage game were consistent with muscle desensitization associated with football participation. In addition, the systemic inflammatory marker results observed in linemen were suggestive of chronic low-grade inflammation.