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Research Article

Neuronal structural protein polymorphism and concussion in college athletes

, MS, ATC, CSCS, , , , , , & show all
Pages 1108-1113 | Received 11 Aug 2010, Accepted 16 Jul 2011, Published online: 08 Sep 2011
 

Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between a neuronal structural protein polymorphism and the frequency and severity of concussions in college athletes.

Methods: Forty-eight athletes with previous self-reported history of a concussion were matched with 48 controls that did not report a history of concussion. Each group was genotyped for neurofilament heavy (NEFH) polymorphism rs#165602 in this retrospective case-control study.

Results: There was no significant association (χ2 = 0.487, p = 0.485) between carrying the NEFH rare allele and a history of one or more concussions due to small effect sizes. A Fisher's exact test revealed no significant association (p = 1.00, ϕ = −0.03) between the presence of NEFH rare allele and a history of multiple concussions. The independent t-tests revealed no significant differences in duration of signs and symptoms (t = 1.41, p = 0.17, d = 0.48) or return to play (t = 0.23, p = 0.82, d = 0.08) between NEFH rare allele carrier and non-carriers.

Conclusions: Among college athletes, carrying the rare allele assessed may not influence an athlete's susceptibility to sustaining a concussion or return to play duration following a concussion.

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