Effects of Cumulative Years of Contact/Collision Sports on Neuropsychological Outcomes

Abstract

To determine the relationship between prolonged exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI) through contact sports, as assessed by cumulative years contact sport participation, and quality of life outcomes in current/former contact sport athletes. Cumulative lifetime RHI exposure may be a more meaningful measure than age of first exposure to contact sports to assess effects of RHI on neurologic function, however effects on young adults remain mixed. Twenty-one physically active current/former contact sport athletes (35.0 ± 12.2 years, 66.7% male) completed an online questionnaire. To assess quality of life and psychological status, participants completed the Apathy Evaluation Scale-Self Rated (AES-S), Short Form 12 (SF-12), Satisfaction with Life Survey (SWLS), and Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) Symptoms. Participants self-reported years of organized contact sport history (16.9 ± 10.5 years, range: 1-45) along with covariates (sex, LD/ADHD, age, concussion history). Generalized linear models were used to examine the association between cumulative years contact sport and psychological outcomes, while controlling for covariates. Cumulative years contact sports was a significant positive predictor of better apathy ratings (p = 0.038) and SWLS (p = 0.001). For every year increase, there was an associated 1.1% reduction in AES-S and 1.6% improvement in SWLS. Cumulative years was not a significant predictor of SF-12 Mental Component Summary (p = 0.113), SF-12 Physical Component Summary (p = 0.289), or symptoms (p = 0.237). Cumulative years of contact sport history was associated with better patient reported outcomes in current/former contact/collision sport athletes. This provides insight into later life effects of prolonged RHI exposure on neuropsychological outcomes in a more diverse subject pool outside of retired football players. Long-term neurologic effects remain to be elucidated, however, in early adulthood collision sports have positive mental health outcomes.