Factors influencing plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in adolescent sport participants. Download PDF Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is being explored as a biomarker for sport-related concussion (SRC). We aim to explore BDNF contextualized by demographic and sport-related factors in adolescent sport participants.
This cross-sectional study nested in a multi-site Canadian cohort study recruits a sample of uninjured male ( n = 60, 15.79 ± 1.17 years) and female ( n = 60, 15.97 ± 1.36 years) adolescent sport participants. We investigate plasma BDNF concentrations considering sex (M/F), age (years), concussion history (yes/no), bodyweight (kgs), height (m), BMI, menstrual cycle phase (follicular/luteal), and classification of sport participation (non-contact/contact/collision). Plasma BDNF was significantly higher for males ( β = 0.176, 95% CI: 0.010, 0.342, p = 0.038).
No association was found between plasma BDNF and concussion history ( β = – 0.149, 95% CI – 0.323, 0.025, p = 0.093). Age was positively associated with plasma BDNF in females ( β = 0.089, 95% CI 0.002, 0.176, p = 0.044). Contact sport participants had significantly lower BDNF compared to non-contact sports participants ( β = – 0.462, 95% CI – 0.830, – 0.093, p = 0.014).
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