Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39275911›Full record

ArticleEuropean journal of neurology2025

'Knock down the brain': a nonlinear analysis of electroencephalography to study the effects of sub-concussion in boxers.

Renato De Donato, Natale Vincenzo Maiorana, Maurizio Vergari, Angelica De Sandi, Anisa Naci, Giada Aglieco, Tommaso Albizzati, Matteo Guidetti, Rosanna Ferrara, Tommaso Bocci and 3 more

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Article in European journal of neurology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

13 authors.

Renato De DonatoDepartment of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-1983-0146
Natale Vincenzo MaioranaAldo Ravelli Research Centre, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Maurizio VergariFoundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Angelica De SandiFoundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Anisa NaciFoundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Giada AgliecoFoundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Tommaso AlbizzatiAldo Ravelli Research Centre, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Matteo GuidettiAldo Ravelli Research Centre, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Rosanna FerraraAldo Ravelli Research Centre, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Tommaso BocciAldo Ravelli Research Centre, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Sergio BarbieriFoundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Roberta FerrucciAldo Ravelli Research Centre, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-5109-9483
Alberto PrioriAldo Ravelli Research Centre, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-1549-3851

Funding

Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Grant Number: 01
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

background and purposeBoxing is associated with a high risk of head injuries and increases the likelihood of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This study explores the effects of sub-concussive impacts on boxers by applying both linear and nonlinear analysis methods to electroencephalogram (EEG) data.

methodsTwenty-one boxers were selected (mean ± SD, age 28.38 ± 5.5 years; weight 67.55 ± 8.90 kg; years of activity 6.76 ± 5.45; education 14.19 ± 3.08 years) and divided into 'beginner' and 'advanced' groups. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Frontal Assessment Battery were administered; EEG data were collected in both eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions during resting states. Analyses of EEG data included normalized power spectral density (nPSD), power law exponent (PLE), detrended fluctuation analysis and multiscale entropy. Statistical analyses were used to compare the groups.

resultsSignificant differences in nPSD and PLE were observed between the beginner and advanced boxers, with advanced boxers showing decreased mean nPSD and PLE (nPSD 4-7 Hz, p = 0.013; 8-13 Hz, p = 0.003; PLE frontal lobe F3 EC, p = 0.010). Multiscale entropy analysis indicated increased entropy at lower frequencies and decreased entropy at higher frequencies in advanced boxers (F3 EC, p = 0.024; occipital lobe O1 EO, p = 0.029; occipital lobe O2 EO, p = 0.036). These changes are similar to those seen in Alzheimer's disease.

conclusionNonlinear analysis of EEG data shows potential as a neurophysiological biomarker for detecting the asymptomatic phase of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in boxers. This methodology could help monitor athletes' health and reduce the risk of future neurological injuries in sports.

Indexed as

BoxingBrain ConcussionElectroencephalographyAdultFemaleHumansMaleNonlinear DynamicsYoung Adultboxing concussionchronic traumatic encephalopathydementianonlinear EEGsub‐concussiontraumatic brain injuries

Identifiers

PMID39275911
PMCPMC11618114

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.