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In Vivo Protocol of Controlled Subconcussive Head Impacts for the Validation of Field Study Data
Published on: April 18, 2019
Sex differences in head acceleration during heading while wearing soccer headgear
Ryan T Tierney1, Michael Higgins, Shane V Caswell
1Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. rtierney@temple.edu
Journal of Athletic Training
|November 26, 2008
Summary
Female soccer players experience higher head acceleration than males, even with headgear. This suggests soccer headgear may not be a universal solution for preventing head injuries in female athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Concussion Research
Background:
- Female soccer players may face higher concussion risks than males.
- Soccer headgear is designed to reduce head acceleration and concussion risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of sex and soccer headgear on head impact kinematics.
- To assess dynamic stabilization during soccer heading in relation to sex and headgear use.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 44 college-aged soccer players (29 women, 15 men).
- Participants performed soccer headers under control and two headgear conditions (Head Blast, Full90).
- Measured head acceleration, Head Injury Criteria (HIC), and neck muscle activity.
Main Results:
- Women exhibited 32% and 44% greater head acceleration than men with Head Blast and Full90 headgear, respectively.
- Women showed 10% greater head acceleration than men in the control condition, though not statistically significant (P=.164).
Conclusions:
- Female soccer players experienced higher head accelerations compared to males when wearing headgear.
- Soccer headgear may not be an effective head injury prevention tool for all athletes, particularly females.
