Comparing fMRI activation during smooth pursuit eye movements among contact sport athletes, non-contact sport athletes, and non-athletes.

摘要: Abstract Objectives Though sub-concussive impacts are common during contact sports, there is little consensus whether repeat blows affect brain function. Using a “lifetime exposure” rather than acute exposure approach, we examined oculomotor performance and activation among collegiate football players two control groups. Our analysis group differences in eye movement behavioral smooth pursuit. Methods Data from 21 off-season Division I “starters” were compared with a) 19 cross-country runners, b) 11 non-athlete college students who SES matched to the player (total N = 51). Visual pursuit was performed while undergoing fMRI imaging via 3 Tesla scanner. Smooth movements three stimulus difficulty levels measured regard RMS error, gain, lag. Results No meaningful found for any of standard analyses used assess movements. For fMRI, greater seen region cerebellar vermis areas FEF as either group, did not differ on measure. Conclusion Greater activity performing an task could indicate that they working harder compensate some subtle, long-term subconcussive deficits. Alternatively, top athletes sport requiring high visual motor skill have more their cerebellum devoted regardless history. Overall, these results provide firm support effect accumulated subconcussion