RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Distinct latent profiles based on neurobehavioural, physical and psychosocial functioning of former National Football League (NFL) players: an NFL-LONG Study
JF Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
JO J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 282
OP 290
DO 10.1136/jnnp-2020-324244
VO 92
IS 3
A1 Benjamin L Brett
A1 Samuel R Walton
A1 Zachery Y Kerr
A1 Lindsay D Nelson
A1 Avinash Chandran
A1 J D Defreese
A1 Ruben J Echemendia
A1 Kevin M Guskiewicz
A1 William P Meehan III
A1 Michael A McCrea
YR 2021
UL http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/92/3/282.abstract
AB Objective To identify subgroups of former National Football League (NFL) players using latent profile analysis (LPA) and examine their associations with total years of participation (TYP) and self-reported lifetime sport-related concussion history (SR-CHx).Methods Former NFL players (N=686) aged 50–70 years, with an average 18.0 TYP (±4.5) completed a questionnaire. SR-CHx distributions included: low (0–3; n=221); intermediate (4–8; n=209) and high (9+; n=256). LPA measures included: Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Emotional–Behavioral Dyscontrol, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Cognitive Function, Emotional Support, Self-Efficacy, Meaning and Purpose, Physical Function, Pain Interference, Participation in Social Roles and Activities, Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, and Sleep Disturbance. Demographic, medical/psychiatric history, current psychosocial stressors, TYP and SR-CHx were compared across latent profiles (LPs).Results A five profile solution emerged: (LP1) global higher functioning (GHF; 26.5%); (LP2) average functioning (10.2%); (LP3) mild somatic (pain and physical functioning) concerns (22.0%); (LP4) somatic and cognitive difficulties with mild anxiety (SCA; 27.5%); LP5) global impaired functioning (GIF; 13.8%). The GIF and SCA groups reported the largest number ofe- medical/psychiatric conditions and higher psychosocial stressor levels. SR-CHx was associated with profile group (χ2(8)=100.38, p<0.001); with a higher proportion of GIF (72.6%) and SCA (43.1%) groups reporting being in the high SR-CHx category, compared with GHF (23.1%), average (31.4%) and somatic (27.8%) groups. TYP was not significantly associated with group (p=0.06), with greater TYP reported by the GHF group.Conclusions Five distinct profiles of self-reported functioning were identified among former NFL players. Several comorbid factors (ie, medical/psychiatric diagnoses and psychosocial stressors) and SR-CHx were associated with greater neurobehavioural and psychosocial dysfunction.