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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.
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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
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Zimmerman KA, Hain JA, Graham NSN, Rooney EJ, Lee Y, Del-Giovane M, Parker TD, Friedland D, Cross MJ, Kemp S, Wilson MG, Sylvester RJ, Sharp DJ. Prospective cohort study of long-term neurological outcomes in retired elite athletes: the Advanced BiomaRker, Advanced Imaging and Neurocognitive (BRAIN) Health Study protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082902. [PMID: 38663922 PMCID: PMC11043776 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although limited, recent research suggests that contact sport participation might have an adverse long-term effect on brain health. Further work is required to determine whether this includes an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease and/or subsequent changes in cognition and behaviour. The Advanced BiomaRker, Advanced Imaging and Neurocognitive Health Study will prospectively examine the neurological, psychiatric, psychological and general health of retired elite-level rugby union and association football/soccer players. METHODS AND ANALYSIS 400 retired athletes will be recruited (200 rugby union and 200 association football players, male and female). Athletes will undergo a detailed clinical assessment, advanced neuroimaging, blood testing for a range of brain health outcomes and neuropsychological assessment longitudinally. Follow-up assessments will be completed at 2 and 4 years after baseline visit. 60 healthy volunteers will be recruited and undergo an aligned assessment protocol including advanced neuroimaging, blood testing and neuropsychological assessment. We will describe the previous exposure to head injuries across the cohort and investigate relationships between biomarkers of brain injury and clinical outcomes including cognitive performance, clinical diagnoses and psychiatric symptom burden. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Relevant ethical approvals have been granted by the Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 17/LO/2066). The study findings will be disseminated through manuscripts in clinical/academic journals, presentations at professional conferences and through participant and stakeholder communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl A Zimmerman
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Injury Studies, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jessica A Hain
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Neil S N Graham
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Injury Studies, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Erin Jane Rooney
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Ying Lee
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Martina Del-Giovane
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas D Parker
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, The Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Daniel Friedland
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Cross
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
- Premiership Rugby, London, UK
| | - Simon Kemp
- Rugby Football Union, Twickenham, UK
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mathew G Wilson
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
- HCA Healthcare Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Richard J Sylvester
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
- Acute Stroke and Brain Injury Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - David J Sharp
- Centre for Care, Research and Technology, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Injury Studies, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Shibukawa K, Hoshikawa Y. Decrease in aerial challenges after revision of goal kick rules in Japan Professional Soccer League: explorative study of the possibility of a risk reduction for head injury, concussion, and brain damage by a rule revision. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024; 8:15-20. [PMID: 36315233 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2142274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In 2019, FIFA revised the goal kick (GLK) rule such that a GLK could be performed even if the kicker had teammates in the penalty area. This study aimed to examine whether the rule revision reduced the frequency of aerial challenge (AC) and long GLKs (LGLKs), which are risk factors for head injury and concussion in soccer. We analyzed all official league matches (306 matches/season) of the Japan Professional Soccer League 1st Division before (2018 season) and after the rule revision (2020 season). The analysis categorized GLKs into short GLKs (SGLKs) and LGLKs, depending on the GLK distance, and included the frequency and causes of AC, in each match following a GLK, which were compared between the 2018 and 2020 seasons. The average number of LGLKs per match in the 2020 season (8.85) decreased compared to that in the 2018 season (14.20). Additionally, for ACs following a GLK, the frequency of ACs decreased from 6.08 to 3.92 per match. Meanwhile, the frequency of LGLKs tended to increase toward the end of the first and second halves in matches. The results of this study revealed that the 2019 GLK rule revision reduced the number of LGLKs and ACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Shibukawa
- Sports & Health Sciences Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hoshikawa
- Department of Sports Science, Japan Women's College of Physical Education, Tokyo, Japan
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Kader M, Pasternak B, Lim CE, Neovius M, Forssblad M, Svanström H, Ludvigsson JF, Ueda P. Depression and anxiety-related disorders and suicide among Swedish male elite football players: a nationwide cohort study. Br J Sports Med 2024; 58:66-72. [PMID: 37857446 PMCID: PMC10804025 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107286] [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] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether male elite football players, during and after their active career, were at increased risk of depression and anxiety-related disorders and suicide, as compared with the general male population. METHODS We included male football players active in the Swedish top division 1924-2019 and general male population (matched to football players based on age and region of residence) aged <65 years in 1997. Using nationwide registers, we followed the football players from their first season in the top division (or the date of their first registered residency in Sweden) or 1 January 1997, and compared the risk of depression and anxiety-related disorders (captured through diagnoses from hospital admissions and outpatient visits, and use of prescription drugs) among football players versus controls. In a secondary analysis using data from death certificates, we compared the risk of suicide between football players and general population males who were alive in 1969 (when cause of death became available) . RESULTS During follow-up through 31 December 2020, 504 (13.6%) of 3719 football players and 7455 (22.3%) of 33 425 general population males had a depression or anxiety-related disorder. In analyses accounting for age, region of residence and calendar time, the risk of anxiety and depression-related disorders was lower among football players versus general population males (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.66). The protective association was attenuated with increasing age, and from around age 70 years the risk was similar in the two groups. The risk of suicide was lower among football players versus general population males (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.72). CONCLUSIONS In this nationwide cohort study in Sweden, elite male football players had a lower risk of depression and anxiety-related disorders and suicide as compared with the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzur Kader
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Pasternak
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Carl-Emil Lim
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Neovius
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Forssblad
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm Sports Trauma Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Svanström
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Jonas F Ludvigsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Örebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Peter Ueda
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hageman G, Hageman I, Nihom J. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Soccer Players: Review of 14 Cases. Clin J Sport Med 2024; 34:69-80. [PMID: 37403989 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to repetitive sports-related concussions or (sub)concussive head trauma may lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Which impact (heading or concussion) poses the greatest risk of CTE development in soccer players? DESIGN Narrative review. SETTING Teaching hospital and University of Applied sciences. PATIENTS A literature search (PubMed) was conducted for neuropathologic studies in the period 2005-December 2022, investigating soccer players with dementia and a CTE diagnosis, limited to English language publications. 210 papers were selected for final inclusion, of which 7 papers described 14 soccer players. ASSESSMENT Magnetic resonance imaging studies in soccer players show that lifetime estimates of heading numbers are inversely correlated with cortical thickness, grey matter volume, and density of the anterior temporal cortex. Using diffusion tensor imaging-magnetic resonance imaging, higher frequency of headings-particularly with rotational accelerations-are associated with impaired white matter integrity. Serum neurofilament light protein is elevated after heading. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Chronic traumatic encephalopathy pathology, history of concussion, heading frequency. RESULTS In 10 of 14 soccer players, CTE was the primary diagnosis. In 4 cases, other dementia types formed the primary diagnosis and CTE pathology was a concomitant finding. Remarkably, 6 of the 14 cases had no history of concussion, suggesting that frequent heading may be a risk for CTE in patients without symptomatic concussion. Rule changes in heading duels, management of concussion during the game, and limiting the number of high force headers during training are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Data suggest that heading frequency and concussions are associated with higher risk of developing CTE in (retired) soccer players. However based on this review of only 14 players, questions persist as to whether or not heading is a risk factor for CTE or long-term cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Hageman
- Department of Neurology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Hospital Enschede, Enschede, the Netherlands; and
| | - Ivar Hageman
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Jik Nihom
- Department of Neurology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Hospital Enschede, Enschede, the Netherlands; and
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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.
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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
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Ueda P, Pasternak B, Lim CE, Neovius M, Kader M, Forssblad M, Ludvigsson JF, Svanström H. Neurodegenerative disease among male elite football (soccer) players in Sweden: a cohort study. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e256-e265. [PMID: 36934741 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00027-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Football (soccer) players might be at increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, which has led to questions regarding the safety of the sport and recent measures introduced by football associations to reduce heading of the ball. We aimed to assess the risk of neurodegenerative disease among male football players in the Swedish top division Allsvenskan, compared with matched controls. METHODS In this cohort study, we identified all male football players (amateurs and professionals) who had played at least one game in Allsvenskan from Aug 1, 1924 to Dec 31, 2019 and excluded players whose personal identity number could not be retrieved or be identified in the Total Population Register, and those who were not born in Sweden and who had immigrated to the country after age 15 years. Football players were matched with up to ten controls from the general population according to sex, age, and region of residence. We used nationwide registers to compare the risk of neurodegenerative disease (diagnoses recorded in death certificates, during hospital admissions and outpatient visits, or use of prescription drugs for dementia) among football players versus controls. We also assessed each type of neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, motor neuron disease, and Parkinson's disease) separately, and compared the risk of neurodegenerative disease among outfield players versus goalkeepers. FINDINGS Of 7386 football players who had played at least one game in the top Swedish division between Aug 1, 1924, and Dec 31, 2019, 182 players were excluded for an unretrievable personal identity number, and 417 were excluded due to their number not being identified in the Total Population Register. After a further exclusion of 780 players and 11 627 controls who were born outside of Sweden and who had immigrated to the country after age 15 years, 6007 football players (510 goalkeepers) were included in the study population along with 56 168 matched controls. During follow-up to Dec 31, 2020, 537 (8·9%) of 6007 football players and 3485 (6·2%) of 56 168 controls were diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease. The risk of neurodegenerative disease was higher among football players than controls (hazard ratio [HR] 1·46 [95% CI 1·33-1·60]). Alzheimer's disease and other dementias were more common among football players than controls (HR 1·62 [95% CI 1·47-1·78]), significant group differences were not observed for motor neuron disease (HR 1·27 [0·73-2·22]), and Parkinson's disease was less common among football players (HR 0·68 [0·52-0·89]). The risk of neurodegenerative disease was higher for outfield players than controls (HR 1·50 [95% CI 1·36-1·65]) but not for goalkeepers versus controls (HR 1·07 [0·78-1·47]), and outfield players had a higher risk of neurodegenerative disease than did goalkeepers (HR 1·43 [1·03-1·99]). All-cause mortality was slightly lower among football players than controls (HR 0·95 [95% CI 0·91-0·99]). INTERPRETATION In this cohort study, male football players who had played in the Swedish top division had a significantly increased risk of neurodegenerative disease compared with population controls. The risk increase was observed for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias but not for other types of neurodegenerative disease, and among outfield players, but not among goalkeepers. Our study expands on the data that can be used to assess and manage risks in the sport. FUNDING Karolinska Institutet, The Swedish Research Council for Sport Science, Folksam Research Foundation, Hedberg Foundation, Neurofonden, and Åhlen Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ueda
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Björn Pasternak
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carl-Emil Lim
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Neovius
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manzur Kader
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Forssblad
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm Sports Trauma Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas F Ludvigsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Pediatrics, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Henrik Svanström
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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den Hollander S, Gouttebarge V. Headers and concussions in elite female and male football: a pilot study. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE 2023; 35:v35i1a15236. [PMID: 38249758 PMCID: PMC10798605 DOI: 10.17159/2078-516x/2023/v35i1a15236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Heading is a risk factor for neurogenerative disease in football. However, the exposure to heading in elite football training is understudied. Objectives The primary purpose of this study was to determine the exposure to headers in elite men's and women's football and to describe the effects of the headers on ocular markers. Methods Exposure to headers was observed over three days of women's and men's football. The number of headers at each session was determined through video analysis, and the G-force was determined via an impact tracker. Ocular markers were assessed at the start and end of the three days, and the results were compared to determine if there were any changes. Self-reported exposure to heading was recorded after each session and compared to the number of headers observed through video analysis, to assess the validity of players' self-reporting. Results Female players made an average of 11 headers per player per session. Ninety percent of the headers were below 10G, and none were above 80G. Male players made an average of three headers per player per session, with 74% of the headers recording a G-force above 10G and 3% above 80G. No meaningful changes were observed post-session in the ocular markers, and no concussions were observed. Neither cohort was able to accurately self-report exposure to headers. Conclusion Longitudinal studies should be designed and conducted across different levels of play in both women and men's football as a prerequisite to develop evidence-based measures to prevent or mitigate the potential risks associated with headers and concussions in elite football.
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Affiliation(s)
- S den Hollander
- Football Players Worldwide (FIFPRO), Hoofddorp,
The Netherlands
| | - V Gouttebarge
- Football Players Worldwide (FIFPRO), Hoofddorp,
The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam,
The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Collaboration on Health & Safety in Sports (ACHSS), IOC Research Center, Amsterdam,
The Netherlands
- Section Sports Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria,
South Africa
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Sports, Amsterdam,
The Netherlands
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Baykeens B, Hassan H, Gentleman S. Football (Soccer) as a Probable Cause of Long-Term Neurological Impairment and Neurodegeneration: A Narrative Review of the Debate. Cureus 2023; 15:e34279. [PMID: 36855480 PMCID: PMC9968489 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Football (soccer) is the most widely played sport across the globe. Due to some recent high-profile cases and epidemiological studies suggesting football can lead to neurodegeneration, scientific and public interest has been piqued. This has resulted in research into whether an association between football participation and neurodegeneration or neurological impairment is present. It has been theorised that a combination of repeated sub-concussive and concussive injuries, due to ball-heading and head collisions, may lead to neurodegeneration. However, evidence remains conflicting. Due to the popularity of the sport, and the serious conditions it has been linked to, it is important to determine whether repeated head impacts during football participation can play a causative role in neurodegenerative disease. To answer this question, a review of the current literature was carried out. Epidemiological evidence showed a higher incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis amongst amateur and professional footballers and that footballers in positions that involve less contact and heading, e.g., goalkeepers lead significantly longer lives. Additionally, imaging studies reach a similar conclusion, reporting changes in brain structure, blood flow, and inflammatory markers in footballers when compared to controls. However, studies looking at an association between heading frequency and cognition show a lack of consensus on whether a higher heading exposure results in reduced cognition. Similarly, in neuropathological studies, signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) have been found in some former players, with contrasting studies suggesting low levels of CTE-type pathology are found in the general population, regardless of exposure to head trauma. The majority of studies suggest a link between football and neurodegenerative disease. However, the high prevalence of retrospective cohort and cross-sectional studies, often plagued by recall bias, undermine the conclusions drawn. Therefore, until larger prospective cohort studies are conducted, concrete conclusions cannot be made. However, caution can be exercised to limit head impacts.
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LANGDON SHARI, GOEDHART EDWIN, OOSTERLAAN JAAP, KÖNIGS MARSH. Heading Exposure in Elite Football (Soccer): A Study in Adolescent, Young Adult, and Adult Male and Female Players. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:1459-1465. [PMID: 35482757 PMCID: PMC9390232 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to quantify heading exposure in real-life elite football at the level of individual male and female adolescents, young adults, and adults. METHODS Heading exposure was determined by video analysis in combination with a structured electronic registration tool and observation training, to comprehensively register heading characteristics. Characteristics of heading events were registered in 116 official matches (96 male, 20 female) of Dutch national teams. RESULTS Mean exposure for male players based on full match participation was 4.2 headers, with maximum heading exposure at 10.6 headers. Mean heading exposure was higher in adult than adolescent players ( P = 0.049), whereas maximum heading exposure was higher for adult than for young adult players ( P = 0.045). Maximum heading exposure was higher in male than in female players ( P = 0.015). Defenders had the greatest mean and maximum heading exposure ( P < 0.001). Longer flight courses of the ball had greater contribution to mean and maximum heading exposure than shorter courses ( P < 0.01). Frontal headers had greater contribution to exposure than other points of contact on player's head ( P < 0.001), whereas linear headers had greater contribution than rotational headers ( P = 0.016). Defensive headers had greater contribution to exposure than other heading types ( P < 0.014). Unintentional head contacts in elite football players were, in most cases (80%), not related to heading situations. CONCLUSIONS This study provides real-life quantifications of mean and maximum heading exposure in elite football, with strong relevance for policy makers and researchers. The results highlight the roles of player and heading characteristics in heading exposure, informing current discussions on the role of heading in football.
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Affiliation(s)
- SHARI LANGDON
- Emma Neuroscience Group, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS
- Football Medical Centre, Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), Zeist, THE NETHERLANDS
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS
| | - EDWIN GOEDHART
- Football Medical Centre, Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), Zeist, THE NETHERLANDS
| | - JAAP OOSTERLAAN
- Emma Neuroscience Group, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS
| | - MARSH KÖNIGS
- Emma Neuroscience Group, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS
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Evans J, Crossley A, Collinge R, Broman D, Ahmed OH, Weiler R. How many headers are too many? Evolving our understanding of heading in English professional football. Br J Sports Med 2022; 56:1207-1208. [PMID: 35918135 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Evans
- Department of Sport and Event Management, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK.,Department of Medicine and Sports Science, West Ham United Football Club, Romford, Essex, UK
| | - Adam Crossley
- Department of Medicine and Sports Science, West Ham United Football Club, Romford, Essex, UK
| | - Richard Collinge
- Department of Medicine and Sports Science, West Ham United Football Club, Romford, Essex, UK
| | - Daniel Broman
- Department of Medicine and Sports Science, West Ham United Football Club, Romford, Essex, UK
| | - Osman Hassan Ahmed
- Department of Physiotherapy, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK.,School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.,The FA Centre for Para Football Research, The Football Association, Burton-upon-Trent, UK
| | - Richard Weiler
- Department of Medicine and Sports Science, West Ham United Football Club, Romford, Essex, UK .,Fortius Clinic, London, UK.,Department of Medicine and Science, Para Football Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Collaboration on Health & Safety in Sports, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University Medical Centres - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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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
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13
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Russell ER, Mackay DF, Stewart K, MacLean JA, Pell JP, Stewart W. Association of Field Position and Career Length With Risk of Neurodegenerative Disease in Male Former Professional Soccer Players. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:1057-1063. [PMID: 34338724 PMCID: PMC8329793 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Question What is the association of field position, career length, and playing era with risk of neurodegenerative disease in male former professional soccer players? Findings In this cohort study of 7676 Scottish male former professional soccer players and 23 028 general population control individuals matched by sex, year of birth, and area socioeconomic status, risk of neurodegenerative disease among former soccer players varied by field position and career length but was similar across era of participation. Meaning In this study, risk of neurodegenerative disease was higher among former professional soccer players with longer careers and among those in nongoalkeeper positions, indicating that factors associated with nongoalkeeper positions should be scrutinized to mitigate risk; meanwhile, strategies to reduce head impact exposure may be advisable to reduce negative outcomes in this population. Importance Neurodegenerative disease mortality is higher among former professional soccer players than general population controls. However, the factors contributing to increased neurodegenerative disease mortality in this population remain uncertain. Objective To investigate the association of field position, professional career length, and playing era with risk of neurodegenerative disease among male former professional soccer players. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used population-based health record linkage in Scotland to evaluate risk among 7676 male former professional soccer players born between January 1, 1900, and January 1, 1977, and 23 028 general population control individuals matched by year of birth, sex, and area socioeconomic status providing 1 812 722 person-years of follow-up. Scottish Morbidity Record and death certification data were available from January 1, 1981, to December 31, 2016, and prescribing data were available from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2016. Database interrogation was performed on December 10, 2018, and data were analyzed between April 2020 and May 2021. Exposures Participation in men’s soccer at a professional level. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes were obtained by individual-level record linkage to national electronic records of mental health and general hospital inpatient and day-case admissions as well as prescribing information and death certification. Risk of neurodegenerative disease was evaluated between former professional soccer players and matched general population control individuals. Results In this cohort study of 30 704 male individuals, 386 of 7676 former soccer players (5.0%) and 366 of 23 028 matched population control individuals (1.6%) were identified with a neurodegenerative disease diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 3.66; 95% CI, 2.88-4.65; P < .001). Compared with the risk among general population control individuals, risk of neurodegenerative disease was highest for defenders (HR, 4.98; 95% CI, 3.18-7.79; P < .001) and lowest for goalkeepers (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.93-3.60; P = .08). Regarding career length, risk was highest among former soccer players with professional career lengths longer than 15 years (HR, 5.20; 95% CI, 3.17-8.51; P < .001). Regarding playing era, risk remained similar for all players born between 1910 and 1969. Conclusions and Relevance The differences in risk of neurodegenerative disease observed in this cohort study imply increased risk with exposure to factors more often associated with nongoalkeeper positions, with no evidence this association has changed over the era studied. While investigations to confirm specific factors contributing to increased risk of neurodegenerative disease among professional soccer players are required, strategies directed toward reducing head impact exposure may be advisable in the meantime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R Russell
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel F Mackay
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Katy Stewart
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Hampden Sports Clinic, Hampden Stadium, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - John A MacLean
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Hampden Sports Clinic, Hampden Stadium, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jill P Pell
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - William Stewart
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Department of Neuropathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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14
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Porfido T, de Souza NL, Brown AM, Buckman JF, Fanning BD, Parrott JS, Esopenko C. The relation between neck strength and psychological distress: preliminary evidence from collegiate soccer athletes. Concussion 2021; 6:CNC91. [PMID: 34084557 PMCID: PMC8162191 DOI: 10.2217/cnc-2020-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine whether neck strength and symmetry are associated with psychological function in athletes with exposure to repetitive head impacts. METHODS Collegiate soccer (n = 29) and limited/noncontact (n = 63) athletes without a history of concussion completed the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 and assessments of isometric neck strength. Neck strength symmetry was calculated as the difference in strength between opposing muscle groups. RESULTS The results demonstrated that lower neck strength was associated with more symptoms of anxiety, whereas asymmetry in neck strength was associated with more symptoms of somatization and depression in soccer athletes only. CONCLUSION These preliminary results suggest that greater neck strength/symmetry is related to better psychological function in athletes who have higher exposure to repetitive head impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Porfido
- School of Graduate Studies, Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Nicola L de Souza
- School of Graduate Studies, Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Allison M Brown
- Department of Rehabilitation & Movement Sciences, School of Health Professions, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jennifer F Buckman
- Department of Kinesiology & Health, Rutgers–New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Brian D Fanning
- Department of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreation, Rutgers–Newark, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - James S Parrott
- Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Health Professions, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Carrie Esopenko
- Department of Rehabilitation & Movement Sciences, School of Health Professions, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
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15
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Gouttebarge V. Is the call to reduce heading exposure in professional football to prevent dementia evidence-based? BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2021; 7:e001076. [PMID: 34012556 PMCID: PMC8094332 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gouttebarge
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Collaboration on Health & Safety in Sports (ACHSS), Amsterdam UMC IOC Research Center of Excellence, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Section Sports Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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