Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025
06:14
In Vivo Protocol of Controlled Subconcussive Head Impacts for the Validation of Field Study Data
Published on: April 18, 2019
6.6K
Consensus on the descriptors, definitions, and reporting methods for heading in football studies: A Delphi study
Kerry Peek1,2, Andrew G Ross1,3, Paula R Williamson4
1Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Plos One
|July 17, 2025
Summary
Standardizing how football (soccer) headers are described and reported is crucial for brain health research. This study established consensus on 27 minimum reporting criteria for heading, improving data consistency and comparability.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Heading in football (soccer) involves deliberate head-to-ball contact, posing potential short-, medium-, and long-term risks to player brain health.
- Current research on heading exposure lacks standardized descriptors, definitions, and reporting methods, hindering comparability and understanding of brain health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a consensus on standardized descriptors, definitions, and reporting methods for heading in football research.
- To improve the consistency and quality of data collection and reporting on heading incidence.
Main Methods:
- A Delphi study involving 167 participants from diverse football-related backgrounds (coaches, players, medical personnel, researchers).
- Consensus was achieved on a minimum of 27 descriptors for reporting heading in football research.
- An expanded framework with an additional 27 descriptors was also defined.
Main Results:
- A standardized operational definition of a header was established: 'a head-to-ball contact where the player makes a deliberate movement to redirect the trajectory of the ball using their head.'
- Consensus was reached on 27 minimum reporting criteria and an additional 27 descriptors for an expanded framework.
- The study provides a standardized framework to enhance data quality and comparability in football heading research.
Conclusions:
- The developed consensus framework offers a standardized approach to heading in football research.
- Improved data quality on heading incidence can significantly advance understanding of associated brain health risks.
- This standardization will inform future research and the development of practice guidelines for player safety.
