Ethical concerns in integrating sport-related concussion (SRC) genetic testing into return-to-play (RTP) protocols

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of sport-related concussions (SRCs) has emerged as a significant health concern in professional sports, with millions of concussions occurring worldwide each year. Current return-to-play (RTP) protocols after SRCs involve a multi-disciplinary approach with growing interest in genetic testing technology. Numerous studies have indicated that the gene Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) holds promise as a predictive factor for developing diseases after concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing and contentious debate surrounding the impact of SRC genetic testing on the RTP decision, encompassing concerns about the potential adverse effects on individual athletes, coaches, and even the whole sport community at large not in a small degree due to incidental findings. Hence, the purpose of this article is to explore the clinical and ethical components of SRCs genetic testing and its potential integration into RTP protocols by utilizing the ACCE framework to assess the validity, utility, and ethical aspects of SRCs.

KEYWORDS:

• Sport-related concussions
• genetic testing
• APOE4
• return-to-play
• ethical considerations

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).