10/26/2025
Inflammation and cognitive performance in elite athletes: A cross-sectional study:
Inflammation doesn’t just affect your joints and muscles, it also impacts your brain.
A 2024 study published in Brain, Behavior & Immunity – Health found that elite athletes with higher levels of inflammation performed worse on cognitive tests measuring working memory, attention, and reaction time. The research also highlighted that vitamin D status, metabolic hormones, and stress recovery balance all influenced how efficiently the brain processed information.
What does this mean for athletes and active adults?
When your body is under physical stress, training, travel, poor sleep, or inadequate nutrition low-grade inflammation can develop. This doesn’t just cause soreness; it can alter how your nervous system communicates, slowing reaction times, decision-making, and coordination.
Chiropractic care supports nervous system balance and helps reduce physiological stress, allowing your body and brain to perform at their best. Combined with proper recovery, nutrition, and sleep, it creates a foundation for optimal cognitive and physical performance.
Key takeaways:
• Chronic inflammation can impair mental sharpness and coordination.
• Vitamin D and nutrient balance play a role in brain function.
• Chiropractic care supports neuromuscular communication and stress recovery.
Reference:
Wiedenbrüg, C., et al. (2024). Inflammation and cognitive performance in elite athletes: A cross-sectional study. Brain, Behavior & Immunity – Health, 36, 101431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2024.101431
