Correlating Magnetoencephalography, Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging, Biomechanics, and Neuropsychology in American Youth Football
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study investigated the association between repetitive head impacts (RHIs) and multimodal neuroimaging, biomechanical, and neuropsychological data in 72 youth football players and 17 controls, aged 8-12 years. Helmet sensors measured RHI exposure while imaging and psychological data were collected before and after the season. Risk-weighted exposure metrics were calculated to quantify cumulative RHI exposure. Changes in magnetoencephalography (MEG) and diffusion kurtosis imaging were analyzed by calculating voxel-wise difference, and z-score maps were thresholded with respect to controls. Using linear regression, statistically significant positive associations were observed between abnormally increased MEG-measured theta (5-7 Hz) power and RHI measures. No associations were found between RHI and other neuroimaging metrics. Football players and controls exhibited significant yet divergent associations between alpha (8-12 Hz) power as well as mean kurtosis and neuropsychological changes. These findings indicate a potential association between youth football players' exposure to RHI and neurophysiological alterations.
Source: Journal of Neurotrauma
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4410175352