1
|
Peek K, Ross A, Andersen TE, Meyer T, Dahlen S, Georgieva J, Williamson PR, Clarke M, Serner A. Heading in football: a systematic review of descriptors, definitions, and reporting methods used in heading incidence studies. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38855969 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2362191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The primary objective of this systematic review was to describe the number and type of heading descriptors used in all published studies which report on heading incidence in football. The secondary objective was to detail the data collection and reporting methods used in the included studies to present heading incidence data. Eligible studies were identified through searches of five electronic databases: Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science, using a combination of free-text keywords (inception to 12th September 2023). Manual searching of reference lists and retrieved systematic reviews was also performed. A descriptive overview and synthesis of the results is presented. From 1620 potentially eligible studies, 71 studies were included, with the following key findings: 1) only 61% of studies defined a header with even fewer (23%) providing an operational definition of a header within the methods; 2) important study and player demographic data including year and country were often not reported; 3) reported heading descriptors and their coding options varied greatly; 4) visual identification of headers was essential when inertial measurement units were used to collect heading incidence data; and 5) there was a lack of standardisation in the reporting methods used in heading incidence studies making comparison between studies challenging. To address these findings, the development of a standardised, internationally supported, operational definition of a header and related heading descriptors should be prioritised. Further recommendations include the development of minimum reporting criteria for heading incidence research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Peek
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Ross
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Physiotherapy Department, College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thor Einar Andersen
- Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- The Norwegian Football Association's Sports Medical Centre, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Sara Dahlen
- Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Julia Georgieva
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Paula R Williamson
- Department of Health Data Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mike Clarke
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Andreas Serner
- FIFA Medical, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Peek K, Franchi M, Lemmink K, Balsom P, Meyer T. Quality Criteria for Studies Assessing the Acute Effects of Heading: Results from a UEFA Expert Panel. Sports Med 2024; 54:1089-1095. [PMID: 38150166 PMCID: PMC11127840 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01977-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing concern regarding the effects of heading in football on brain health including cognitive, behavioural and neuromotor function, with research suggesting an association between repeated ball-head impacts and neurodegenerative disease. While longitudinal studies to determine the long-term consequences of heading are challenging, there have been short-term 'acute' studies conducted, with some studies lacking appropriate methodology to ensure valid results. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) established a panel of experts to determine methodological recommendations for the conduct of studies that explore the acute effects of heading (defined as a single session of heading conducted either in a laboratory setting or following match play or a training session). The aim of this panel was to create quality criteria for acute heading studies that will form part of the eligibility assessment when applying for UEFA research funding (although the criteria can be applied to the conduct of acute heading research more widely). This process was deemed necessary to counter studies with poor methodological quality that used heading trials that did not accurately represent player exposure to ball-head impacts through football practice and match play (such as small sample sizes, unrealistically high heading exposure, and a lack of consideration of confounding variables). The panel identified core design decisions that authors should consider when designing and conducting acute heading research, with key methodological requirements for each domain pertaining to participants, heading trials, confounding variables, statistics and dependent/target variables and their measurement. After two rounds of reviews, the final list of quality criteria was agreed by the panel and will be applied to the next round of UEFA grant applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Peek
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Martino Franchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Koen Lemmink
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Balsom
- Swedish Football Association, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarland, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Georgieva J, Arnold EJ, Peek K, Smith A, Lavender AP, Serner A, Fitzgerald M, Ma'ayah F, Campbell A. The incidence and characteristics of heading in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup™. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38293754 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2305396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To quantify the incidence and characteristics of purposeful heading and other head impacts in professional women's football at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup™. METHODS This cross-sectional cohort study analysed purposeful headers (uncontested and contested) and their characteristics (e.g. playing position, match situation, field location, and distance ball travelled), and other head impact events using video analysis. Total headers and head impact events, and incidence rate (IR) per 1000 match-hours were calculated for countries, positions, and other characteristics, such as location on the pitch. RESULTS Purposeful headers accounted for 76% of all coded events (uncontested: 71%; contested: 29%), followed by attempted headers (21%), unintentional ball-head impacts (2%), and other head impacts (1%). Headers ranged from 0 to 22 per player, per match with a mean of 4.8 [±1.2]. Of all field positions, centrebacks had the highest heading rates and wingers the lowest. Strikers performed significantly more contested headers than any other position, and significantly less uncontested headers. Most headers occurred in the middle third (48%), from free game play (72%) and from long balls (>20 m) (68%). CONCLUSION The findings of this study could assist the development of player heading risk profiles, sex-specific heading guidelines, and coaching practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Georgieva
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Eloise J Arnold
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kerry Peek
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Smith
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- enAble Institute for Health Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Andrew P Lavender
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Serner
- FIFA Medical, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Fadi Ma'ayah
- School of Education, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Amity Campbell
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- enAble Institute for Health Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Reeschke R, Haase FK, Dautzenberg L, Krutsch W, Reinsberger C. Training matters: Heading incidence and characteristics in children's and youth football (soccer) players. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:1821-1830. [PMID: 37259619 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Concerns about short- and long-term consequences of repetitive heading contributed to heading restrictions in youth football in some countries. This prospective longitudinal cohort study aims to describe heading exposure in children's and youth football over two seasons using standardized video analysis. METHODS All matches and training sessions of a male Under-11 (n = 29), Under-15 (n = 28), Under-19 (n = 38), and female Under-17 (n = 39) team were videotaped during the seasons 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. Heading frequencies and characteristics were analyzed. Individual heading exposure is presented as average incidence rates (IR) per 1000 match/training hours. RESULTS In 275 matches and 673 training sessions, 22 921 headers were observed. Heading IR per player in matches was 1256 (Under-11 m), 1608 (Under-15 m), 1050 (Under-17 f), and 1966 (Under-19 m). In training sessions, IR per player was 739 (Under-11 m), 2206 (Under-15 m), 1661 (Under-17 f), and 1419 (Under-19 m). Five Under-15 males headed the ball five to eight times per training on average. Most headers were performed without heading duels. Flight distance was predominantly 5-20 m (54%) in matches and <5 m (65%) in training. While head impact location most frequently was at frontal areas, one-third of all headers in Under-11 in matches hit temporal, parietal, and occipital parts of the head. CONCLUSION Heading incidence was low in the youngest age group, whereas (predominantly five) Under-15 males showed very high heading exposures in training. In assessment and regulation of heading burden, training sessions and individual heading behavior should specifically be addressed. Recommendations for heading the ball in practice should account for individual and age-related differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Reeschke
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany
| | | | - Lena Dautzenberg
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Werner Krutsch
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claus Reinsberger
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wahlquist VE, Buckley TA, Caccese JB, Glutting JJ, Royer TD, Kaminski TW. Quantitative Analysis of Ball-Head Impact Exposure in Youth Soccer Players. J Sports Sci Med 2023; 22:591-596. [PMID: 37711709 PMCID: PMC10499164 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the implementation of the US Soccer heading guidelines released in 2015, little to no research on ball-head impact exposure in the United States youth soccer population has been conducted. The purpose was to compare ball-head impact exposure across sex and age in youth soccer players over a weekend tournament. Ten male and female games for each age group (Under-12 [U12], U13, and U14) were video recorded at a weekend tournament for a total of 60 games. Ball-head impact exposure for each game was then coded following a review of each recording. Male players were 2.8 times more likely to have ball-head impacts than female players, (p < 0.001) particularly in the U14 age group when compared to the U12 age group (p = 0.012). Overall 92.4% of players experienced 0-1 ball-head impacts per game with the remaining players experiencing 2+ ball-head impacts per game. Ball-head impact exposure levels are low in the youth players. Most youth soccer players do not head the soccer ball during match play and those that did, only headed the ball on average once per game. Overall, the difference in ball-head impact exposure per player was less than 1 between all the groups, which may have no clinical meaning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas A Buckley
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, USA
| | - Jaclyn B Caccese
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Todd D Royer
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, USA
| | - Thomas W Kaminski
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Peek K, Duffield R, Cairns R, Jones M, Meyer T, McCall A, Oxenham V. Where are We Headed? Evidence to Inform Future Football Heading Guidelines. Sports Med 2023; 53:1335-1358. [PMID: 37285067 PMCID: PMC10289964 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01852-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Given the scientific and public concern regarding the short-, medium- and long-term consequences of heading on brain health, being proactive about developing and implementing guidelines that help reduce the burden (volume, impact magnitude and injury risk) of heading in young and beginner players appears justified. This narrative review explores the evidence underpinning strategies that could be incorporated into future heading guidelines to reduce heading burden in players across all levels of football. A four-step search strategy was utilised to identify all data-based papers related to heading in football. Eligibility criteria for inclusion were: (1) original data, (2) study population included football players, (3) outcome measures included one or more of the following: number of headers, measurement of head acceleration during heading, or head/brain injury incidence, and (4) published in English or English translation available. In total, 58 papers were included that outlined strategies based on (1) game or team development, (2) player skill development and (3) equipment. In particular, greater emphasis existed for small-sided games (particularly in young players) where fewer headers are observed when compared with the conventional 11 versus 11 game, as well as reducing headers from goal kicks and corners. Evidence also existed for developing a heading coaching framework that focusses on technical proficiency as well as neuromuscular neck exercises integrated into general injury reduction exercise programs, enforcement of rules related to deliberate head contact and using lower-pressure match and training balls. To mitigate potential risks of heading on brain health, a number of pragmatic strategies have been examined in scientific studies and may be considered as part of future heading guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Peek
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Rob Duffield
- School of Sport, Exercsie & Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
- Football Australia, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Ross Cairns
- Newcastle Sports Medicine, Warners Bay, NSW Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Mark Jones
- Football Australia, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Alan McCall
- School of Sport, Exercsie & Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
- Football Australia, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Vincent Oxenham
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW Australia
- Department of Neuropsychology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Peek K, Versteegh T, Veith S, Whalan M, Edwards S, McKay M, Gardner AJ. Injury-Reduction Programs Containing Neuromuscular Neck Exercises and the Incidence of Soccer-Related Head and Neck Injuries. J Athl Train 2023; 58:519-527. [PMID: 36645836 PMCID: PMC10496449 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0340.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Concern is growing among soccer players, coaches, and parents regarding head and neck injuries, including concussion, particularly from heading a ball. Thus, we need to explore soccer-specific head injury risk-reduction initiatives. One such initiative is to condition the neck musculature of young players by adding neuromuscular neck exercises to existing injury-reduction exercise programs. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of neuromuscular neck exercises completed as part of an injury risk-reduction exercise program on the incidence of soccer-related head and neck injuries in adolescent soccer players. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Two sports high schools and 6 soccer clubs during the 2021 soccer season. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 364 male and female soccer players, aged 12 to 18 years. INTERVENTION(S) Members of 1 sports high school and 2 soccer clubs performed neuromuscular neck exercises as part of an injury-reduction program during training (neck training group). Members of another sports high school and 4 soccer clubs performed an injury-reduction program but without neck exercises (comparison group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Self-reported injury data were collected from each player at the end of the season and used to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% CIs. RESULTS In total, 364 players completed the study, including 146 players in the neck training group and 218 players in the comparison group. Despite players in the neck training group being less likely to self-report a concussion (IRR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.03, 1.04) and pain on heading a ball (IRR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.34, 1.07), only a lower incidence of possible concussive events (IRR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.14, 0.90; P < .05) was significant. CONCLUSIONS Integrating neuromuscular neck exercises into injury-reduction exercise programs has the potential to reduce the risk of adolescent soccer players sustaining a possible concussive event, concussion, or pain on heading a ball.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Peek
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Stella Veith
- Centre of Medical and Exercise Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matt Whalan
- Centre of Medical and Exercise Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzi Edwards
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marnee McKay
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew John Gardner
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
A systematic review of match-play characteristics in women's soccer. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268334. [PMID: 35771861 PMCID: PMC9246157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aimed to (1) systematically review the scientific literature evaluating the match-play characteristics of women's soccer, (2) determine the methods adopted to quantify match-play characteristics of women's soccer, and (3) present the physical, technical and tactical characteristics of women's soccer match-play across age-groups, playing standards and playing positions. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted in May 2021; keywords relating to the population, soccer and match-play characteristics were used. Studies which quantified physical, technical or tactical performance of women's soccer players during match-play were included. Excluded studies included adapted match-play formats and training studies. Sixty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria. Studies predominantly quantified match-play characteristics of senior international (n = 27) and domestic (n = 30) women's soccer match-play, with only seven studies reporting youth match-play characteristics. Physical (n = 47), technical (n = 26) and tactical characteristics (n = 2) were reported as whole-match (n = 65), half-match (n = 21), segmental (n = 17) or peak (n = 8) characteristics. Beyond age-groups, playing standard, and playing position, fourteen studies quantified the impact of contextual factors, such as environment or match outcome, on match-play characteristics. Distance was the most commonly reported variable (n = 43), as outfield women's soccer players covered a total distance of 5480-11160 m during match-play. This systematic review highlights that physical match-performance increases between age-groups and playing standards, and differs between playing positions. However, further research is warranted to understand potential differences in technical and tactical match-performance. Coaches and practitioners can use the evidence presented within this review to inform population-specific practices, however, they should be mindful of important methodological limitations within the literature (e.g. inconsistent velocity and acceleration/deceleration thresholds). Future research should attempt to integrate physical, technical and tactical characteristics as opposed to quantifying characteristics in isolation, to gain a deeper and more holistic insight into match-performance.
Collapse
|
9
|
The assessment of neck strength: A guide for sports medicine clinicians. Phys Ther Sport 2022; 55:282-288. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
10
|
Porfido T, Caccese J, Gutt J, Wentworth C, Peek K, Bretzin AC, Esopenko C. A standardized method for quantifying and characterizing repetitive head impacts in soccer matches using video footage. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022; 6:331-339. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2056233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tara Porfido
- School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, 07107 USA
| | - Jaclyn Caccese
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, 43210 USA
| | - Jessica Gutt
- Department of Rehabilitation & Movement Sciences, School of Health Professions, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, 07107 USA
| | - Conor Wentworth
- Department of Rehabilitation & Movement Sciences, School of Health Professions, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, 07107 USA
| | - Kerry Peek
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Abigail C Bretzin
- Penn Injury Science Center, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - Carrie Esopenko
- Department of Rehabilitation & Movement Sciences, School of Health Professions, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, 07107 USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Peek K, McKay M, Fu A, Meyer T, Oxenham V, Esopenko C, Caccese J, Andersen J. The effect of ball characteristics on head acceleration during purposeful heading in male and female youth football players. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022; 5:195-203. [PMID: 35077287 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2021.1897657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to explore the effects of different ball types and characteristics on head acceleration during purposeful heading in youth football players. Methods: Experienced male and female players (n = 61) aged between 12-17 years completed heading trials with 4 different balls (Ball 1 mass 192 grams (g), pressure 5.0 pounds per square inch (psi); Ball 2 432 g, 5.0 psi; Ball 3 255 g, 5.0 psi; Ball 4 430 g, 10.5 psi) whilst wearing a head-mounted accelerometer and gyroscope. Balls 1, 2 and 4 were size 5 balls; Ball 3 was a size 4 ball.Results: Multivariate analysis of variance and post-hoc univariate analyses revealed a statistically significant difference between ball type and head acceleration during heading for both linear acceleration (adjusted R2 = 0.68; F = 140.90; p = <0.001) and angular velocity (adjusted R2 = 0.28; F = 26.52; p = <0.001). Ball 1 (lightest size 5 ball) and Ball 3 (size 4 ball) demonstrated linear head accelerations up to 59% lower (p = <0.01) when compared with Ball 4 (size 5 regulated match ball).Discussion: Head acceleration during purposeful heading is influenced by changes to ball pressure, ball size and/or ball mass. Changing ball characteristics, particularly in youth football training when heading is being taught, should be an easy strategy to implement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Peek
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marnee McKay
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Allan Fu
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Vincent Oxenham
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carrie Esopenko
- Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences, Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Newark, USA
| | - Jaclyn Caccese
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, USA
| | - Jordan Andersen
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Peek K, Andersen J, McKay MJ, Versteegh T, Gilchrist IA, Meyer T, Gardner A. The Effect of the FIFA 11 + with Added Neck Exercises on Maximal Isometric Neck Strength and Peak Head Impact Magnitude During Heading: A Pilot Study. Sports Med 2022; 52:655-668. [PMID: 34590247 PMCID: PMC8480461 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01564-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher neck strength has been postulated to reduce head impact magnitude during purposeful heading in football. OBJECTIVES This pilot trial explored the effect of a neck exercise programme on (1) neck strength and (2) head impact magnitude during heading in male and female adolescent football players. METHODS Boys and girls (aged 12-17 years) were randomised by team to the intervention (5 weeks of supervised neuromuscular neck exercises integrated into part 2 of the FIFA 11 + , completed three times per week) or the control group (usual part 2 of the FIFA 11 + , no neck exercises). Outcomes included isometric neck strength and head impact magnitude (peak linear acceleration and peak angular velocity) during standardised heading from a throw-in (at baseline and 6 weeks) plus completion of an evaluation survey by intervention players and coaches. RESULTS In total, 52 players (n = 31 intervention; n = 21 control) completed the study. Mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in neck strength variables (p < 0.001), peak linear acceleration (p = 0.04) and peak angular velocity (p = 0.04) between the intervention and control groups over time. Intervention players demonstrated increases in mean composite neck strength (53.8% intervention vs 15.6% control) as well as decreases in mean peak linear head acceleration during heading (- 11.8% vs - 5.0%) from baseline to follow-up. Reduction in peak angular velocity was more pronounced in girls (- 27.7%) than boys (- 11.5%) in the intervention group. The addition of neck exercises into part 2 of the FIFA 11 + was feasible and accepted by players and coaches. CONCLUSION On average, players who completed neck exercises demonstrated an increase in isometric neck strength and a decrease in head impact magnitude during heading. These exercises were easily incorporated into usual training. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (no: ACTRN12619001375145).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Peek
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Susan Wakil Health Building, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jordan Andersen
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Marnee J. McKay
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Susan Wakil Health Building, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Theo Versteegh
- School of Physical Therapy, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Ian A. Gilchrist
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Andrew Gardner
- Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW Australia ,Hunter New England Local Health District Sports Concussion Research Program, Calvary Mater Hospital, Waratah, NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|