Correlating Magnetoencephalography, Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging, Biomechanics, and Neuropsychology in American Youth Football.

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.