The Effect of Cycling, Running, and Playing Rugby on Three Biomarkers That May Indicate Brain Injury

Participants were recruited for this study from fall 2021 - spring 2022. Participants recruited to play in a rugby match were current members of the university men's and women's club rugby team. Running participants consisted of members of the university's men's and women's running teams as well as recreational runners. Cycling participants consisted of members of the university's cycling club as well as recreational cyclists. Male rugby athletes played two 40-minute halves while female rugby athletes played two 20-minute halves. These are typical match times for men's and women's rugby. Runners were asked to run 6.44 kilometers at their own pace, and cyclists were asked to cycle 39 kilometers at their own pace. A control group comprised of both sedentary and recreationally active individuals was also recruited and asked to refrain from exercise for 24 hours.

Blood was drawn from an antecubital vein in the exercising groups before and after exercise as well as 30 minutes, 1-, 24-, 48-, and 72-hours after exercise. Only one blood draw was taken in the control group.

The blood biomarkers neurofilament light (NfL), brain lipid binding protein (BLBP), and amyloid precursor protein were then measured in the venous blood and compared within groups, among groups, and between sexes.

Inclusion criteria

• Apparently Healthy
• Those in the running group must be able to run 6.44 kilometers
• Those in the cycling group must be able to cycle 39 kilometers
• Those in the ruby group must be members of the university club rugby team

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals with diabetes
• Individuals with heart disease
• Individuals who are pregnant
• Individuals who get light-headed or dizzy while donating blood