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Heading and head injuries in soccer
D T Kirkendall1, S E Jordan, W E Garrett
1United States Soccer Federation, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|May 12, 2001
Summary
Soccer players may experience cognitive dysfunction, but purposeful heading is unlikely the sole cause. A history of concussions is a more probable factor. Further research is needed to understand heading
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Soccer uniquely involves purposeful heading, posing risks of head injury.
- Cognitive dysfunction has been observed in some soccer players.
- Concerns exist regarding the link between heading and cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between soccer heading, head injuries, and cognitive dysfunction.
- To critically evaluate the evidence implicating purposeful heading in cognitive deficits.
- To identify factors influencing head injury risk and cognitive outcomes in soccer players.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on soccer-related head injuries and cognitive function.
- Analysis of methodological concerns in studies blaming purposeful heading.
- Consideration of confounding factors such as player history, age, and alcohol/drug intake.
Main Results:
- Methodological flaws in studies linking purposeful heading to cognitive deficits question its validity.
- A history of concussive episodes appears to be a more significant predictor of cognitive deficits.
- The role of subconcussive impacts from heading in long-term cognitive effects remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Purposeful heading is unlikely the primary cause of cognitive deficits in soccer players.
- A history of concussions is a more likely explanation for observed cognitive impairments.
- Further research is essential to understand heading impact, injury rates, and safe age for heading instruction.