Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Impact of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on olfactory functions of female concussed athletes
Camille Larson-Dupuis1, Émilie Chamard, Viviane Falardeau
1Montreal Sacred Heart Hospital Research Centre , Montreal, Quebec , Canada .
Background:
Concussions exert persistent effects on asymptomatic athletes, especially women. Among chief mechanisms of concussion recovery are alterations of neuronal plasticity. Olfactory function, often impaired following a concussion, greatly involves plasticity and, therefore, appears as a good candidate to study the deleterious effects of concussions. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (BDNFMet), which reduces availability of BDNF in the brain, has surprisingly been associated with better recovery following concussion.
Objective:
This study examines the mediating effect of BDNFMet on olfactory functions in asymptomatic concussed female athletes.
Methods:
Participants, 105 female university athletes, were divided into four groups based on their history of concussion (Concussion/No concussion) and BDNF polymorphism (BDNF Val66Val/Val66Met). Odour threshold, discrimination and identification were measured using the Sniffin' Sticks Inventory Test.
Results:
Concussed female BDNFMet athletes performed significantly better than BDNFVal counterparts on threshold (F(1, 34) = 4.73, p < 0.05), discrimination (F(1, 52) = 5.36, p < 0.05), identification tests (F(1, 52) = 5.65, p < 0.05) and total olfactory scores (F(1, 34) = 9.54, p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
These results support a genotypic effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on long-term olfactory function following a concussion in young female athletes.
