The effect of contact/collision sport participation without concussion on neurometabolites: A systematic review and meta ‐analysis of magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies

Our review examined neurometabolite levels assessed via magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in athletes undertaking contact/collision sport without concussion. Only studies employing proton (1H) MRS were found. In longitudinal studies (i.e. pre- vs. mid −/post- season), a reduction inN-acetylaspartate (NAA) and total creatine (tCr; creatine and phosphocreatine), but not glutamate –glutamine (Glx), myo-inositol (mI) or total choline (tCho; choline-containing compounds) was found. In case–control studies, contact/collision sport athletes had higher mI, but not NAA or tCr compared to non-contact sport athletes and non-athlete controls. Overall, this review suggests that con tact/collision sport participation can alter1H MRS neurometabolites in the absence of concussion. AbstractThe aim of this study was to systematically review prior research investigating the effects of contact/collision sport participation on neurometabolite levels in the absence of concussion. Four online databases were searched to identify studies that measured neurometabolite levels in contact/collision sport athletes (without concussion) using proton (1H) or phosphorus (31P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). All study designs were acceptable for inclusion. Meta-analytic procedures were used to quantify the effect of contact/collision sport participation on neurometabolite levels and explore the impact of specific moderating factors (where sufficient data were available). Narrative synthesis wa...
Source: Journal of Neurochemistry - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Source Type: research