Researcher(s)
- Nicolas Burrus, Neuroscience, University of Delaware
- Dae Sik Song, Human Physiology, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Shannon Lennon, Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware
Abstract
Exposure to repeated head impacts (RHI) in sports has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including elevated blood pressure (BP). However, changes in vascular function, a precursor to CVD has not been investigated. The objective of this pilot study was to compare vascular function and BP between former athletes with a history of participation in RHI sports to those who participated in non‑contact sports. Sixteen former athletes (age 29.5 ± 4.3 y; BMI 28.5 ± 5.4 kg/m²) were categorized as Repeated Head Impact (RHI; n=8, 2M/6W) or non‑Repeated Head Impact (non‑RHI; n=8, 4M/4W). Participants completed medical and sports history questionnaires, underwent 24‑hour ambulatory BP monitoring, and vascular assessments. Endothelial function was assessed by brachial artery flow‑mediated dilation (FMD), arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV), and wave reflection with augmentation index (AIx). RHI athletes demonstrated higher nighttime mean arterial pressure (MAP: 76 ± 8 vs. 69 ± 7 mmHg; p<0.05) and systolic BP (113 ± 12 vs. 101 ± 8 mmHg; p<0.05) but not diastolic BP (p>0.05). Daytime BPs were not different. FMD was lower (5.74 ± 1.96% vs. 7.88 ± 2.76%; p=0.06) in RHI athletes although not significant. PWV (5.80 ± 0.88 vs. 5.33 ± 0.59 m/s; p=0.26) and AIx (9.42 ± 11.63% vs. 12.79 ± 6.04%; p=0.41) were not different between groups. Former athletes with RHI exposure exhibited an elevated nighttime BP and tended to have poorer endothelial function compared to non‑RHI athletes. These preliminary findings highlight the potential clinical importance of assessing 24‑hour BP and vascular function in athletes who participate in RHI sports.