Plasma Neurofilament Light and Its Relationship With Omega-3 Status and Soccer Heading in Women Soccer Players

A Blood Biomarker for Sports-Related Brain Injury and Its Relationship With Omega-3 Status and Purposeful Soccer Heading in Free-Living Collegiate Women Soccer Players During and After a Competitive Season

The purpose of this study is to (1) assess how a competitive season of purposeful gameplay soccer heading in collegiate women soccer players is related to a blood biomarker for sports-related brain injury, plasma neurofilament light (NF-L), and (2) examine how a player's omega-3 status is related to plasma NF-L concentration changes during and after a competitive season of gameplay soccer heading.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Active player on the university's current team roster for the upcoming competitive season.
• Is eligible to participate in games and is not redshirting.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Is recovering from a Physician diagnosed concussion.
• Is recovering from another injury prohibiting the study participant from participating in all sport-related activities.