Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: January 20, 2023
Longitudinal changes of brain microstructure and function in nonconcussed female rugby players
Kathryn Y Manning1, Jeffrey S Brooks1, James P Dickey1
1From Medical Biophysics (K.Y.M., R.B., R.S.M.), School of Kinesiology (J.S.B., J.P.D.), Microbiology and Immunology (K.B.), Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (A.H.), Anatomy and Cell Biology (A.B.), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (T.D.), and School of Occupational Therapy (J.H.), Western University; Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping (K.Y.M., R.B., R.S.M.) and Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories (K.B., C.B., A.B., G.A.D.), Robarts Research Institute; Primary Care Sport Medicine (L.F., T.J.), Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine; and Paediatrics Critical Care Medicine (D.F.), London Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, Canada.
Female athletes in contact sports show subtle brain changes over time, even without concussion. These findings highlight the need for further research into the long-term brain health of athletes in contact sports.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- Female varsity athletes in contact sports may experience neurological changes.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for long-term brain health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally assess brain microstructure and function in female varsity athletes.
- To compare athletes in contact sports (rugby) versus noncontact sports (swimming, rowing).
Main Methods:
- Diffusion MRI and resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) were used.
- Concussion-free athletes were monitored in- and off-season.
- Sports Concussion Assessment Tool and head impact accelerometers were employed.
Main Results:
- Contact athletes showed altered white matter diffusion and rs-fMRI connectivity compared to noncontact athletes.
- Longitudinal brainstem diffusion changes were observed in contact athletes.
- History of concussion in contact athletes was associated with lower axial diffusivity in the corpus callosum.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic, concussion-free contact sport athletes exhibit longitudinal changes in brain microstructure and function.
- Further research is needed to determine if these changes are compensatory, reparative, or degenerative.
- Long-term brain health implications for contact sport athletes require continued investigation.
More Related Videos
07:02An Investigation of the Effects of Sports-related Concussion in Youth Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Head Impact Telemetry System
Published on: January 12, 2011
08:27Development of an Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Model Modified by Weight-Drop Method and Evidenced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 11, 2025