Concussion and long-term cognitive function among rugby players-The BRAIN Study

• Objective The BRAIN Study was established to assess the associations between self-reported concussions and cognitive function among retired rugby players. Methods Former elite-level male rugby union players (50+ years) in England were recruited. Exposure to rugby-related concussion was collected using the BRAIN-Q tool. The primary outcome measure was the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC). Linear regressions were conducted for the association between concussion and PACC score, adjusting for confounders. Results A total of 146 participants were recruited. The mean (standard deviation) length of playing career was 15.8 (5.4) years. A total of 79.5% reported rugby-related concussion(s). No association was found between concussion and PACC (beta -0.03 [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.31, 0.26]). However, participants aged 80+ years reporting 3+ concussions had worse cognitive function than those without concussion (beta -1.04 [95% CI: -1.62, -0.47]). Conclusions Overall there was no association between concussion and cognitive function; however, a significant interaction with age revealed an association in older participants.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Neurovetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Neurosciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

cognitive function

occupational epidemiology

rugby

sports-related

concussion

chronic traumatic encephalopathy

impairment

composite

dementia

midlife

reserve

disease

union

life

Neurosciences & Neurology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)