LAUSR

Key Points Question What is the association of nonconcussive repetitive head impacts with plasma levels of phosphorylated and total tau proteins, and how might they be associated with cognitive outcomes in young elite soccer players? Findings In a cohort study of 37 elite soccer players, a 1.5-fold increase of phosphorylated tau181 protein (p-tau181) in plasma after nonconcussive repetitive head impacts, and a 1.4-fold increase after intense physical activity was observed, while the elevation of the p-tau181-to-total-tau ratio 24 hours after training remained significant for nonconcussive repetitive head impacts. Performance in cognitive tests revealed a significant decline in focused attention and cognitive flexibility after the physical exercise and heading training. Meaning These results suggest that the acute disbalance of the p-tau181 to total tau ratio may implicate emerging pathological processes in the early presymptomatic phase of neurological disorder.