Sritanvi Koneru
Research Mentor: Eleanna Varangis
Mentor Department: Movement Science, Kinesiology
Author(s): Sritanvi Koneru, Isabella Isaacman, Michaela Broadnax, Eleanna Varangis
Session: Session 3 (11:00 AM – 11:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 95
Abstract
As concerns regarding cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease increase, the long-term impact of sport-related concussion on brain health has become an important area of study. Although sport-related concussion in collegiate and professional contact sports is being extensively examined, comparatively, there is little research on the long-term effects of concussion from high school contact sports. Despite being underrepresented, this body of work is more applicable to the general public and, as a result, warrants attention. This poster presents a review of the research literature currently available on the long-term effects of high school collision sports on neurocognitive health in aging, and discusses next steps for future studies. Within the groups most frequently studied, older adults (ages ranging from 54-80) from the United States with a history of high school contact sport participation, the evidence does not demonstrate an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative disease, mental health disorder, or substance abuse disorder. There is limited evidence to support minimal anatomical disparities. These findings are consistent across studies and do not appear to be clinically significant. Interpretation of these results is complicated by the historical context of the study populations, as concussion recognition and management protocols were limited, likely leading to the underreporting of sport-related concussion at the level of study. Given these gaps in the literature, the ATHINA Lab aims to investigate the long-term effects of high school sport-related concussion using a more comprehensive and holistic approach.
