Cognitive Effects of Heading in Professional Football: A Systematic Review
Liam Patel1, Julikram Tarafder1, Flaminia Ronca1
1Institute of Sport Exercise and Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 3, 2024
Summary
Professional football players may experience cognitive decline linked to heading the ball. More research is needed to confirm this association and understand its impact on brain health in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Medicine
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Professional football players show increased mortality from neurodegenerative diseases.
- Heading technique is a concern for player safety and is banned for young players.
Conclusions:
- The link between heading and cognitive function in professional football is suggested but inconclusive.
- Methodological differences limit current conclusions.
- Further longitudinal studies, including females and standardized methods, are needed.


