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Related Experiment Video

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In Vivo Protocol of Controlled Subconcussive Head Impacts for the Validation of Field Study Data

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Published on: April 18, 2019

Effects of Soccer Heading on Brain Structure and Function.

Ana Carolina Rodrigues¹, Rodrigo Pace Lasmar², Paulo Caramelli³

¹Pró-Reitoria de Graduação, Reitoria da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Frontiers in Neurology

|April 6, 2016

Summary

Soccer heading may impact brain structure and function. While some studies suggest links to abnormal brain structure and cognitive impairment from subconcussive impacts, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Keywords:

brain cognition heading injury soccer sports

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Sports Medicine
Neuroscience

Background:

Soccer involves frequent head impacts (heading) during play and practice.
Subconcussive head impacts from heading are gaining attention as a potential cause of cumulative brain injury.
Existing research primarily focuses on concussions, with less attention on subconcussive forces in soccer.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the existing literature on the effects of soccer heading on brain structure and function.
To synthesize current findings on neuroimaging and biochemical markers related to heading impacts.
To identify knowledge gaps and areas for future research in soccer-related brain injury.

Main Methods:

Literature review of scientific studies on soccer heading and brain health.
Analysis of research utilizing neuroimaging techniques to assess brain structure.
Examination of studies investigating biochemical markers of brain injury in soccer players.

Main Results:

Preliminary evidence suggests an association between heading and abnormal brain structure.
Studies on heading's effect on cognitive function show mixed results, with some suggesting impairment and others not.
Current data are insufficient to definitively conclude on the deleterious effects of heading on cognitive functioning.

Conclusions:

Heading in soccer may be linked to changes in brain structure, but data are preliminary.
The impact of subconcussive head impacts from heading on cognitive function remains unclear.
Further longitudinal studies are essential to clarify the clinical significance of heading and establish safety guidelines.