Key result
Professional football is linked to decreased brain perfusion, elevated qEEG slow waves, and lower neuropsychological scores.
Why the study?
The long-term brain function impact of playing American professional football was not well characterized with large-scale brain imaging.
Does playing American professional football affect long-term brain function in active and former NFL players?
Population
100 active and former National Football League players representing 27 teams and all positions
Comparison
Professional football players vs healthy-comparison group
Design
Observational study with brain SPECT imaging, qEEG, and neuropsychological testing
Authors
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May indicate chronic brain changes in contact athletes; hypothesis-generating and leaves open diagnostic or screening utility pending prospective validation.
Observational (n=100)
Does playing American professional football affect long-term brain function in active and former NFL players?
Playing professional football is associated with significant differences in brain perfusion, EEG patterns, and neuropsychological performance consistent with chronic brain trauma.
Amen et al. (2011) conducted an observational in Chronic brain trauma (n=100). Playing American Professional Football vs. Healthy-comparison group was evaluated on Brain perfusion, qEEG, and neuropsychological measures. Playing American professional football was associated with global decreased brain perfusion, elevated slow waves on qEEG, and decreased neuropsychological test scores relative to healthy controls.
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