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Rezaei A, Wang T, Titina C, Wu L. Immediate and Transient Perturbances in EEG Within Seconds Following Controlled Soccer Head Impact. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:2897-2910. [PMID: 39136891 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03602-0] [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: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Athletes in contact and collision sports can sustain frequent subconcussive head impacts. Although most impacts exhibit low kinematics around or below 10 g of head linear acceleration, there is growing concern regarding the cumulative effects of repetitive sports head impacts. Even mild impacts can lead to brain deformations as shown through neuroimaging and finite element modeling, and thus may result in mild and transient effects on the brain, prompting further investigations of the biomechanical dose-brain response relationship. Here we report findings from a novel laboratory study with continuous monitoring of brain activity through electroencephalography (EEG) during controlled soccer head impacts. Eight healthy participants performed simulated soccer headers at 2 mild levels (6 g, 4 rad/s and 10 g, 8 rad/s) and three directions (frontal, oblique left, oblique right). Participants were instrumented with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) bite bar and EEG electrodes for synchronized head kinematics and brain activity measurements throughout the experiment. After an impact, EEG exhibited statistically significant elevation of relative and absolute delta power that recovered within two seconds from the impact moment. These changes were statistically significantly higher for 10 g impacts compared with 6 g impacts in some topographical regions, and oblique impacts resulted in contralateral delta power increases. Post-session resting state measurements did not indicate any cumulative effects. Our findings suggest that even mild soccer head impacts could lead to immediate, transient neurophysiological changes. This study paves the way for further dose-response studies to investigate the cumulative effects of mild sports head impacts, with implications for long-term athlete brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Rezaei
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Ln Room 2054, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Timothy Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B9, Canada
| | - Cyrus Titina
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Ln Room 2054, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Lyndia Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Ln Room 2054, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B9, Canada.
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Jain D, Porfido T, de Souza NL, Brown AM, Caccese JB, Czykier A, Dennis EL, Tosto-Mancuso J, Wilde EA, Esopenko C. Neural Mechanisms Associated With Postural Control in Collegiate Soccer and Non-Soccer Athletes. J Neurol Phys Ther 2024; 48:151-158. [PMID: 38709008 DOI: 10.1097/npt.0000000000000476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Sport-specific training may improve postural control, while repetitive head acceleration events (RHAEs) may compromise it. Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying postural control may contextualize changes due to training and RHAE. The goal of this study was to determine whether postural sway during the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is related to white matter organization (WMO) in collegiate athletes. METHODS Collegiate soccer ( N = 33) and non-soccer athletes ( N = 44) completed BESS and diffusion tensor imaging. Postural sway during each BESS stance, fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD) were extracted for each participant. Partial least squares analyses determined group differences in postural sway and WMO and the relationship between postural sway and WMO in soccer and non-soccer athletes separately. RESULTS Soccer athletes displayed better performance during BESS 6, with lower FA and higher MD in the medial lemniscus (ML) and inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP), compared to non-soccer athletes. In soccer athletes, lower sway during BESS 2, 5, and 6 was associated with higher FA and lower MD in the corticospinal tract, ML, and ICP. In non-soccer athletes, lower sway during BESS 2 and 4 was associated with higher FA and lower MD in the ML and ICP. BESS 1 was associated with higher FA, and BESS 3 was associated with lower MD in the same tracts in non-soccer athletes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Soccer and non-soccer athletes showed unique relationships between sway and WMO, suggesting that sport-specific exposures are partly responsible for changes in neurological structure and accompanying postural control performance and should be considered when evaluating postural control after injury.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A472 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Jain
- Divya Jain and Tara Porfido are considering as co-first authors. Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York (D.J., N.L.D., A.C., C.E.); Department of Rehabilitation & Movement Sciences, School of Health Professions, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey (T.P., A.M.B.); School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio (J.B.C.); Department of Neurology, University of Utah (E.L.D., E.A.W.); George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah (E.L.D., E.A.W.); and Abilities Research Center, Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York (J.T.-M.)
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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.
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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
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Huber CM, Patton DA, Rownd KR, Patterson Gentile C, Master CL, Arbogast KB. Neurophysiological Effects of Repeated Soccer Heading in Youth. J Biomech Eng 2023; 145:091005. [PMID: 37216312 PMCID: PMC10259471 DOI: 10.1115/1.4062423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Repeated head loading in sports is associated with negative long-term brain health, and there is growing evidence of short-term neurophysiological changes after repeated soccer heading. The objective of this study was to quantify the head kinematics and effects of repetitive soccer headers in adolescents using an instrumented mouthguard. Adolescent soccer players aged 13-18 years were randomly assigned to a kicking control, frontal heading, or oblique heading group. Participants completed neurophysiological assessments at three-time points: immediately prior to, immediately after, and approximately 24 h after completing 10 headers or kicks. The suite of assessments included the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory, visio-vestibular exam, King-Devick test, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance with force plate sway measurement, pupillary light reflex, and visual evoked potential. Data were collected for 19 participants (17 male). Frontal headers resulted in significantly higher peak resultant linear acceleration (17.4 ± 0.5 g) compared to oblique headers (12.1 ± 0.4 g, p < 0.001), and oblique headers resulted in significantly higher peak resultant angular acceleration (frontal: 1147 ± 45 rad/s2, oblique: 1410 ± 65 rad/s2, p < 0.001). There were no neurophysiological deficits for either heading group or significant differences from controls at either post-heading timepoint, and therefore, a bout of repeated headers did not result in changes in the neurophysiological measures evaluated in this study. The current study provided data regarding the direction of headers with the goal to reduce the risk of repetitive head loading for adolescent athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin M. Huber
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104; Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146
| | - Declan A. Patton
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146
| | - Kathryn R. Rownd
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146
| | - Carlyn Patterson Gentile
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146; Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Christina L. Master
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146; Sports Medicine and Performance Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Kristy B. Arbogast
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Smirl JD, Peacock D, Burma JS, Wright AD, Bouliane KJ, Dierijck J, van Donkelaar P. Repetitive bout of controlled soccer heading does not alter heart rate variability metrics: A preliminary investigation. Front Neurol 2022; 13:980938. [PMID: 36504654 PMCID: PMC9732532 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.980938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives There is elevated unease regarding how repetitive head impacts, such as those associated with soccer heading, contribute to alterations in brain function. This study examined the extent heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) metrics are altered immediately following an acute bout of soccer heading. Methods Seven male elite soccer players (24.1 ± 1.5 years) completed 40 successful soccer headers in 20-min. The headers were performed under controlled circumstances using a soccer ball launcher located 25 meters away and using an initial ball velocity of 77.5 ± 3.7 km/h (heading condition). An accelerometer (xPatch) on the right mastoid process quantified linear/rotational head accelerations. Participants also completed sham (body contact) and control (non-contact) sessions. A three-lead ECG and finger photoplethysmography characterized short-term spontaneous HRV/cardiac BRS, before and after each condition. The SCAT3 indexed symptom scores pre-post exposures to all three conditions. Results During the heading condition, cumulative linear and rotational accelerations experienced were 1,574 ± 97.9 g and 313,761 ± 23,966 rad/s2, respectively. Heart rate trended toward an increase from pre- to post-heading (p = 0.063), however HRV metrics in the time-domain (ps > 0.260) and frequency-domain (ps > 0.327) as well as cardiac BRS (ps > 0.144) were not significantly changed following all three conditions. Following the heading condition, SCAT3 symptom severity increased (p = 0.030) with a trend for symptom score augmentation (p = 0.078) compared to control and sham. Conclusion Whereas, symptoms as measured by the SCAT3 were induced following an acute bout of controlled soccer heading, these preliminary findings indicate they were not accompanied by alterations to autonomic function. Ultimately, this demonstrates further research is needed to understand the physiological underpinnings of alterations in brain function occurring immediately after a bout of soccer heading and how these may, over time, contribute to long-term neurological impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan David Smirl
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,*Correspondence: Jonathan David Smirl
| | - Dakota Peacock
- Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joel Stephen Burma
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alexander D. Wright
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin J. Bouliane
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jill Dierijck
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Paul van Donkelaar
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Weber J, Ernstberger A, Reinsberger C, Popp D, Nerlich M, Alt V, Krutsch W. Video analysis of 100 matches in male semi-professional football reveals a heading rate of 5.7 headings per field player and match. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2022; 14:132. [PMID: 35842676 PMCID: PMC9288693 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00521-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heading is an integral part of football and frequent media reports and previous studies about potential danger of heading and head trauma in football fuelled discussions. Epidemiological data and video analyses regarding headings situation and associated head injuries are still missing in male adult professional football. METHODS In a prospective cohort study in the male fourth German football league, 100 official matches of the 2015-2016 season were assessed by video analysis and a standardized protocol. Heading situations and concomitant circumstances as well as incidents with a propensity of injury (critical incidents) were analyzed. Critical incidents (CI) and seasonal reported head injuries were cross-referenced. RESULTS Overall, 11,514 headings were analysed in detail. Video analysis yielded a mean of 5.7 headings per player and match (SD: 1.2; range 0-15). Heading was predominantly performed with the frontal part of the head (76.8%), and nearly two thirds of all headings occurred during defending (65.8%). 71.0% of all headings occured during tacklings, of which 71.9% involved body contact with the opponent player. Video analysis yielded 31 CI on the head due to heading (incidence: 1.02 per 1000 h match exposure and player). 29 CI occurred during heading duels (odds ratio: 5.91), 30 CI with body contact (odds ratio: 28.8) and 6 CI with elbow contact (odds ratio: 6.13). CONCLUSION Heading frequency in male semi-professional football could be determined with a rate of 5.7 headings per match and field player. Cross referencing CI and seasonal reported head injuries revealed a very low number of reported head injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Weber
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Ernstberger
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claus Reinsberger
- Institute of Sports Medicine, University of Paderborn, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Daniel Popp
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Nerlich
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Volker Alt
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Werner Krutsch
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
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An acute bout of controlled subconcussive impacts can alter dynamic cerebral autoregulation indices: a preliminary investigation. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:1059-1070. [PMID: 35171333 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-04908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is growing concern repetitive head contacts sustained by soccer players may lead to long-term health ramifications. Therefore, this preliminary investigation examined the impact an acute soccer heading bout has on dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) metrics. METHODS In this preliminary investigation, 40 successful soccer headers were performed in 20 min by 7 male elite soccer players (24.1 ± 1.5 years). Soccer balls were launched at 77.5 ± 3.7 km/h from JUGS soccer machine, located 35 m away from participants. Linear and rotational head accelerations impacts were measured using an accelerometer (xPatch). The SCAT3 indexed concussion symptom score and severity before and after: soccer headers, sham (body contact only), and control conditions. Squat-stand maneuvers were performed at 0.05 Hz and 0.10 Hz to quantity dCA through measures of coherence, phase, and gain. RESULTS Cumulative linear and rotational accelerations during soccer headers were 1574 ± 97.9 g and 313,761 ± 23,966 rads/s2, respectively. SCAT3 symptom severity was elevated after the soccer heading bout (pre 3.7 ± 3.6, post 9.4 ± 7.6: p = 0.030) and five of the seven participants reported an increase in concussion-like symptoms (pre: 2.6 ± 3.0, post: 6.7 ± 6.2; p = 0.078). Phase at 0.10 Hz was elevated following soccer heading (p = 0.008). No other dCA metric differed following the three conditions. CONCLUSION These preliminary results indicate an acute bout of soccer heading resulted in alterations to dCA metrics. Therefore, future research with larger sample sizes is warranted to fully comprehend short- and long-term physiological changes related to soccer heading.
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D'Silva LJ, Siengsukon CF, Devos H. Gaze stability in young adults with previous concussion history. J Vestib Res 2021; 30:259-266. [PMID: 32675433 DOI: 10.3233/ves-200706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of visual-vestibular interaction after concussion can cause gaze instability with head movements. The long-term impact of concussion on gaze stability is unknown. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional comparative pilot study examined gaze stability in the chronic stage after concussion (greater than one year). A secondary objective was to examine the relationship between gaze stability and sleep. METHODS Outcome measures included: 1. Gaze stability in logMAR (mean loss of dynamic visual acuity (DVA) in the yaw and pitch planes); 2. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); 3. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS), time since injury, and number of concussions were collected for the people with concussion. RESULTS The study sample included thirty-four adults (mean age 23.35±1.3 years). Seventeen had a history of 1-9 concussions, with a mean duration of 4.4±1.9 years since last concussion; and 17 were age and sex-matched controls. Mean pitch plane DVA loss was greater in the concussion group compared to the control group (p = 0.04). Participants with previous concussion had lower sleep quality based on the PSQI (p = 0.01) and increased daytime sleepiness based on the ESS (p = 0.01) compared to healthy controls. Mean DVA loss in the pitch plane was significantly correlated with the PSQI (r = 0.43, p = 0.01) and the ESS (r = 0.41, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Significant differences in dynamic visual acuity may be found in young adults long after a concussion, compared with those who have no concussion history. Furthermore, loss of dynamic visual acuity was associated with poorer sleep quality and higher daytime sleepiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda J D'Silva
- Department of Physical Therapy Education, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Catherine F Siengsukon
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Hannes Devos
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Potential Mechanisms of Acute Standing Balance Deficits After Concussions and Subconcussive Head Impacts: A Review. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:2693-2715. [PMID: 34258718 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-021-02831-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Standing balance deficits are prevalent after concussions and have also been reported after subconcussive head impacts. However, the mechanisms underlying such deficits are not fully understood. The objective of this review is to consolidate evidence linking head impact biomechanics to standing balance deficits. Mechanical energy transferred to the head during impacts may deform neural and sensory components involved in the control of standing balance. From our review of acute balance-related changes, concussions frequently resulted in increased magnitude but reduced complexity of postural sway, while subconcussive studies showed inconsistent outcomes. Although vestibular and visual symptoms are common, potential injury to these sensors and their neural pathways are often neglected in biomechanics analyses. While current evidence implies a link between tissue deformations in deep brain regions including the brainstem and common post-concussion balance-related deficits, this link has not been adequately investigated. Key limitations in current studies include inadequate balance sampling duration, varying test time points, and lack of head impact biomechanics measurements. Future investigations should also employ targeted quantitative methods to probe the sensorimotor and neural components underlying balance control. A deeper understanding of the specific injury mechanisms will inform diagnosis and management of balance deficits after concussions and subconcussive head impact exposure.
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Wahlquist VE, Kaminski TW. Analysis of Head Impact Biomechanics in Youth Female Soccer Players Following the Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer™ Heading Intervention. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:3859. [PMID: 34204896 PMCID: PMC8199772 DOI: 10.3390/s21113859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The effects of repetitive head impacts associated with soccer heading, especially in the youth population, are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine balance, neurocognitive function, and head impact biomechanics after an acute bout of heading before and after the Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer™ program intervention. Twelve youth female soccer players wore a Triax SIM-G head impact sensor during two bouts of heading, using a lightweight soccer ball, one before and one after completion of the Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer™ program intervention. Participants completed balance (BESS and SWAY) and neurocognitive function (ImPACT) tests at baseline and after each bout of heading. There were no significant changes in head impact biomechanics, BESS, or ImPACT scores pre- to post-season. Deficits in three of the five SWAY positions were observed from baseline to post-season. Although we expected to see beneficial changes in head impact biomechanics following the intervention, the coaches and researchers observed an improvement in heading technique/form. Lightweight soccer balls would be a beneficial addition to header drills during training as they are safe and help build confidence in youth soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas W. Kaminski
- Athletic Training Research Laboratory, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
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Abstract
Recent public concern over the short- and long-term effects of repetitive head impacts (RHI) associated with purposeful heading in soccer has led researchers to study a multitude of variables related to this important aspect of the game. Of particular interests are the effects of soccer heading in the youth population (≤ 13 years old) whose brains are undergoing rapid development. We conducted a review on youth soccer heading that includes purposeful heading frequency, head impact biomechanics, head injuries, clinical outcomes, and modifying factors. We have concluded that youth soccer players head the ball at a low frequency that typically increases with age and with a finding that boys head the ball more often than girls do. Interestingly, although girls head the ball less frequently than boys do, they tend to sustain higher head impact magnitudes. Head injuries are more likely to occur in girls versus boys and during games because of contact with another player. Clinical outcome measures of concussion are often utilized to study the effects of soccer heading, in both field and laboratory environments. Immediately following soccer heading, youth often report having a headache and demonstrate some deficits in balance measures. Modifying factors that may benefit soccer players participating in purposeful heading activities include stronger neck musculature, wearing headgear, and the use of mouthguards. Research involving youth soccer players needs to be expanded and funded appropriately to better understand the consequences of RHI in both the short and long term.
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Tierney GJ, Higgins B. The incidence and mechanism of heading in European professional football players over three seasons. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31:875-883. [PMID: 33280186 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There are concerns surrounding the risk of neurodegenerative diseases associated with football (soccer) heading. The aim of this study was to conduct analysis on the incidence and mechanism of heading in the "Big 5" professional European football leagues (Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A) and one lower tier professional league (English Championship) from 2016/17 to 2018/19. Match event data from 7147 matches were obtained from Opta Sports data feed. The data were parsed to extract header event details including player position, coordinates on the field, header type and preceding match event (including distance football travelled). Incidence data were reported as headers per match or match headers per player. Medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) were reported and either the Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test were conducted for comparisons between positions and leagues. In the "Big 5" leagues, the most headers per match occurred during the Premier League (111.2 headers per match). However, the lower tier English Championship had the highest number of headers per match overall (139.0 headers per match). In all leagues, defenders had the greatest median number of match headers per player (P < .001). The highest median distance travelled by the football during a preceding match event was for goal kicks (57.5 m; IQR 53.7-61.1). The findings add necessary information for current longitudinal studies aiming to understand the potential link between football heading and neurodegenerative diseases. These studies should account for league, playing position, and level of play.
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Snowden T, Reid H, Kennedy S, Kenny R, McQuarrie A, Stuart-Hill L, Garcia-Barrera MA, Gawryluk J, Christie BR. Heading in the Right Direction: A Critical Review of Studies Examining the Effects of Heading in Soccer Players. J Neurotrauma 2020; 38:169-188. [PMID: 32883162 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The practice of heading in soccer has become a public concern because of the potential for subconcussive impacts to cause cumulative concussive-like effects; however, experimental evidence for this hypothesis has been mixed. This systematic review used pre-defined search parameters to assess primary literature that examined changes in cognitive, behavioral, structural, and/or biological processes after acute heading exposure in youth and young adult soccer players. The findings were synthesized into a concise and comprehensive summary of the research following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) format, and suggestions for standardization of acute heading protocols are described. A total of 1189 articles were considered for this review, with 19 articles meeting all of the inclusion criteria for full analysis. An attempt was made to identify methods with significant sensitivity and reliability by grouping studies based on their outcome measures. Because of lack of standardization across intervention types and data collection protocols, no sensitive and reliable methods could be identified conclusively to assess the effects of acute heading exposure in soccer players. Based on this review, there is not enough evidence to either support or refute the potential of effects of subconcussive events from acute soccer heading exposure. Recommendations for standardization of acute heading exposure studies based on the included literature are discussed. Standardization is required to better understand the impact of acute heading exposure in soccer players, while allowing for the development of guidelines that mitigate any potential risks and allowing athletes to remain active and develop their skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Snowden
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hannah Reid
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Samantha Kennedy
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rebecca Kenny
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amanda McQuarrie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynneth Stuart-Hill
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, and University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Jodie Gawryluk
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian R Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, and University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Rawlings S, Takechi R, Lavender AP. Effects of sub-concussion on neuropsychological performance and its potential mechanisms: A narrative review. Brain Res Bull 2020; 165:56-62. [PMID: 33011196 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are recognised as serious medical events that are relatively common in contact sports. Recently, the seemingly non-injurious phenomenon of sub-concussion has gained interest among neuroscience researchers and early studies are showing that there may be some acute and chronic effects on brain health and function with repeated sub-concussive events of the type seen in soccer, where players strike the ball with the head, and collision sports like the rugby codes. The aim of this narrative review is to describe sub-concussion and the current understanding of short and long term effects of repeated minor impacts that have been found to occur in human and animal models. Here, potential mechanisms for cognitive dysfunction following sub-concussion and recommend directions for future research are discussed. The Potential mechanisms of injuries resulting from sub-concussion such as changes in blood brain barrier integrity, neuroinflammation, cognitive impairment, and oxidative stress damage, among other changes in central nervous system function vary considerably making understanding of the underlying causative mechanism challenging for researchers. Some evidence suggests a link between impaired cerebrovascular function and cognitive impairment which poses a potential mechanism linking the two. It is hoped that this review helps guide researchers toward a potential direction of investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Rawlings
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Ryusuke Takechi
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Andrew P Lavender
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Australia.
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15
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The effects of repetitive head impacts on postural control: A systematic review. J Sci Med Sport 2020; 24:247-257. [PMID: 32948449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of our study was to investigate the association between repetitive head impact (RHI) exposure and postural control. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo were searched using a self-developed search term including the keywords balance OR postural control AND repetitive OR sub-concussive head impacts. Twenty-one studies excluding non-peer reviewed studies, secondary studies, cross-sectional studies, animal studies, and studies investigating concussion were included for further analyses. We rated Level of Evidence and quality using the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine tool, the Quality Assessment for the Systematic Review of Effectiveness, and the Sub-concussion Specific Tool. RESULTS All included studies were grouped into Category I and II studies. Category I included trials investigating the effects of controlled soccer heading on postural control (n=8) and Category II studies were cohort studies investigating on-the-field changes between preseason and postseason assessments on postural control measures (n=13). Findings were heterogeneous, with a tendency towards no effects of RHI on clinical postural control measures. Most laboratory studies in Category I used instrumented assessments whereas on-the-field studies in Category II used both instrumented and non-instrumented assessments. CONCLUSIONS Due to heterogeneous findings, future studies aiming to investigate the effects of RHI on different athlete populations are needed on other participant cohorts. Furthermore, the combination of objective clinical balance measures may be a promising approach to accurately measure how, and to what degree, postural control may be affected by RHI.
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16
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Smirl JD, Peacock D, Wright AD, Bouliane KJ, Dierijck J, Burma JS, Kennefick M, Wallace C, van Donkelaar P. An Acute Bout of Soccer Heading Subtly Alters Neurovascular Coupling Metrics. Front Neurol 2020; 11:738. [PMID: 32849205 PMCID: PMC7396491 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The current investigation examined how a bout of soccer heading may impact brain function. Design: Semi-randomized crossover cohort. Setting: Controlled soccer heading. Participants: Seven male soccer players (24.1 ± 1.5 years). Intervention: 40 successful soccer headers were performed in 20 min (25 m, launch velocity ~80 km/h). X2 xPatch recorded linear and rotational head accelerations during each impact. A contact control “sham” condition – ball made body contact, but not by the head; and a no activity time “control” condition were also completed. Main Outcome Measures: Posterior and middle cerebral artery (PCA and MCA, respectively), cerebral blood velocity (CBV) was recorded during a visual task (neurovascular coupling: NVC) alongside SCAT3 symptoms scores pre/post a controlled bout of soccer heading. Results: Cumulative linear and rotational accelerations were 1,574 ± 97.9 g and 313,761 ± 23,966 rads/s2, respectively, during heading and changes in SCAT3 symptom number (pre: 2.6 ± 3.0; post: 6.7 ± 6.2, p = 0.13) and severity (pre: 3.7 ± 3.6, post: 9.4 ± 7.6, p = 0.11) were unchanged. In the PCA, no NVC differences were observed, including: relative CBV increase (28.0 ± 7.6%, p = 0.71) and total activation (188.7 ± 68.1 cm, p = 0.93). However, MCA-derived NVC metrics were blunted following heading, demonstrating decreased relative CBV increase (7.8 ± 3.1%, p = 0.03) and decreased total activation (26.7 ± 45.3 cm, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Although an acute bout of soccer heading did not result in an increase of concussion-like symptoms, there were alterations in NVC responses within the MCA during a visual task. This suggests an acute bout of repetitive soccer heading can alter CBV regulation within the region of the brain associated with the header impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Smirl
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dakota Peacock
- Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Alexander D Wright
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,MD/PhD Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin J Bouliane
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jill Dierijck
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health, School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Joel S Burma
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Kennefick
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Colin Wallace
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Paul van Donkelaar
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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17
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Kaminski TW, Weinstein S, Wahlquist VE. A comprehensive prospective examination of purposeful heading in American interscholastic and collegiate soccer players. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2019.1696470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W. Kaminski
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Athletic Training Research Lab, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Sarah Weinstein
- Family Medicine, Crozer Chester Medical Center, Springfield, PA, USA
| | - Victoria E. Wahlquist
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Athletic Training Research Lab, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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18
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Di Virgilio TG, Ietswaart M, Wilson L, Donaldson DI, Hunter AM. Understanding the Consequences of Repetitive Subconcussive Head Impacts in Sport: Brain Changes and Dampened Motor Control Are Seen After Boxing Practice. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:294. [PMID: 31551732 PMCID: PMC6746992 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The potential effects of exposure to repetitive subconcussive head impacts through routine participation in sport are not understood. To investigate the effects of repetitive subconcussive head impacts we studied boxers following customary training (sparring) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), decomposition electromyographic (EMG) and tests of memory. Methods Twenty amateur boxers performed three 3-min sparring bouts. Parameters of brain function and motor control were assessed prior to sparring and again immediately, 1 h and 24 h post-sparring. Twenty control participants were assessed following mock-sparring. Results One hour after sparring boxers showed increased corticomotor inhibition, altered motor unit recruitment strategies, and decreased memory performance relative to controls, with values returning to baseline by the 24 h follow up. Conclusion Repetitive subconcussive head impacts associated with sparring resulted in acute and transient brain changes similar to those previously reported in soccer heading, providing convergent evidence that sport-related head impacts produce a GABAergic response. These acute changes in brain health are reminiscent of effects seen following brain injury, and suggest a potential mechanism underlying the damaging long-term effects of routine repetitive head impacts in sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Di Virgilio
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Ietswaart
- Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay Wilson
- Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - David I Donaldson
- Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Angus M Hunter
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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19
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Nevins D, Hildenbrand K, Vasavada A, Kensrud J, Smith L. In-Game Head Impact Exposure of Male and Female High School Soccer Players. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.3928/19425864-20180802-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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20
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Kaminski TW, Thompson A, Wahlquist VE, Glutting J. Self-reported head injury symptoms exacerbated in those with previous concussions following an acute bout of purposeful soccer heading. Res Sports Med 2019; 28:217-230. [PMID: 31257930 DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2019.1635130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Rates of concussion in soccer are high, especially in female players. The primary aim of this study was to examine differences in self-reported concussion-related symptoms (CRS), balance (BESS), and neurocognitive performance (ImPACT) following an acute bout of soccer heading in a group of female collegiate players with and without a history of concussion. Eighty-seven players with 0 to 3+ previous concussions participated. The measurement variables were assessed before and after heading sessions; including one linear and one rotational bout. Players with concussion histories reported more CRS than their non-concussed teammates both before and after the heading sessions. Balance and neurocognitive scores were generally unaffected. This finding should heighten our awareness to carefully monitor soccer players who have experienced concussions and be aware that they may develop concussion-like symptoms, especially after acute bouts of heading either during practice or in matches. The long-term implications of this finding remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Kaminski
- Department of Kinesiology & Applied Physiology, Athletic Training Research Laboratory, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Adam Thompson
- Family Medicine, Crozer Chester Medical Center, Springfield, PA, USA
| | - Victoria E Wahlquist
- Department of Kinesiology & Applied Physiology, Athletic Training Research Laboratory, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Joseph Glutting
- School of Education, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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21
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Ahmed MA, Hafez (Waly) EA, Abdelazeim FH, Ghani HA. Severity of equinus gait deviation on centre of mass trajectory in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERAPY AND REHABILITATION 2018. [DOI: 10.12968/ijtr.2018.25.9.453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aims: To study the impact of severity of equinus gait on the vertical displacement of centre of mass and spatiotemporal parameters in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: A total of 23 ambulant children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy who had equinus gait and 16 typically developing children (controls) participated in this study. Children with cerebral palsy were categorised according to severity of equinus into two subgroups: children with peak dorsiflexion above 0° (positive group, n=11) and children with peak dorsiflexion below 0° (negative group, n=12). Three-dimensional gait analysis was conducted to measure the vertical displacement of centre of mass and spatiotemporal parameters of all participants. Results: There was a significantly greater increase in vertical displacement of centre of mass in equinus gait groups compared to the control group (P=0.007 for the positive group and P=0.011 for the negative group). Speed and step length were significantly reduced in the positive and negative groups compared to the control group, while cadence was non-significantly increased. No significant difference was found between the positive group and negative groups in any variables tested. Conclusions: Vertical centre of mass was significantly more displaced in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy with equinus compared to body mass index-matched typically developing children, regardless of the severity of equinus. The smooth transition of centre of mass and energy consumption might not be closely related to the degree of equinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai A Ahmed
- Assistant lecturer, Physical Therapy Department for Woman and Child Health, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ehab A Hafez (Waly)
- Lecturer, Physical Therapy Department for Paediatrics, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Faten H Abdelazeim
- Professor, Physical Therapy Department for Paediatrics, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hisham A Ghani
- Professor of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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22
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Dierijck JK, Wright AD, Smirl JD, Bryk K, van Donkelaar P. Sub-concussive trauma, acute concussion, and history of multiple concussions: Effects on quiet stance postural control stability. Int J Psychophysiol 2018. [PMID: 29526776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Although balance control has been studied extensively following acute concussion, little is known regarding repetitive sub-concussive head impacts or chronic exposure to multiple concussive events. Quiet stance postural control was characterized in contact sport athletes at pre-season (n = 135) and post-season (n = 48) to evaluate the effects of subconcussive trauma to the head. To determine the impact of acute concussion on postural control, athletes diagnosed with a concussion during the season (n = 12) were tested at 72-h, 2-weeks, and 1-month post-injury. Because only 4 of the concussed athletes completed baseline testing, control athletes (n = 12) matched for sport, age, body mass index (BMI), and previous concussion history served as a comparison group. Finally, the effects of previous concussion history on quiet stance postural control were determined by comparing pre-season data in contact sport athletes with either zero (Hx0, n = 50) or three or more (Hx3+, n = 25) previous concussions. A force plate was used to compare changes in centre-of-pressure root-mean-square displacement (RMSdisp) and mean-velocity (COPvel) in the anterior/posterior (AP) and medial/lateral (ML) directions. One-minute trials were performed with feet hip-width apart, hands-on-hips, and A) eyes-open and B) eyes-closed. Biomechanical head-impact exposure (impacts over 10 g) was indexed over the season using mastoid-fixed impact sensors. In acutely injured athletes, repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant effect of time for RMSdisp AP with increased displacement at 2 weeks compared to 72 h (p = 0.008, 95% CI: -0.180, -0.310 cm). No other COP variables were affected by acute concussion. Moreover, there was no effect of concussion history or repeated sub-concussive impacts on any quiet stance metric. Additionally, head-impact exposure metrics were not correlated with COP metrics. Taken together, the data suggests alterations in COP sway during quiet stance persist in the acute 2-week period after injury. These findings were not present with either a history of multiple concussions or exposure to sub-concussive head impacts indicating acute concussion does not have appear to have long term effects for these measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Dierijck
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - A D Wright
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; MD/PhD Program, University of British Columbia, 2894 Detwiller Pavilion, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; Southern Medical Program, Reichwald Health Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia Okanagan, 1088 Discovery Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - J D Smirl
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - K Bryk
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - P van Donkelaar
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
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Kellar D, Newman S, Pestilli F, Cheng H, Port NL. Comparing fMRI activation during smooth pursuit eye movements among contact sport athletes, non-contact sport athletes, and non-athletes. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2018. [PMID: 29541575 PMCID: PMC5849867 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Though sub-concussive impacts are common during contact sports, there is little consensus whether repeat blows affect brain function. Using a "lifetime exposure" rather than acute exposure approach, we examined oculomotor performance and brain activation among collegiate football players and two control groups. Our analysis examined whether there are group differences in eye movement behavioral performance and in brain activation during smooth pursuit. Methods Data from 21 off-season Division I football "starters" were compared with a) 19 collegiate cross-country runners, and b) 11 non-athlete college students who were SES matched to the football player group (total N = 51). Visual smooth pursuit was performed while undergoing fMRI imaging via a 3 Tesla scanner. Smooth pursuit eye movements to three stimulus difficulty levels were measured with regard to RMS error, gain, and lag. Results No meaningful differences were found for any of the standard analyses used to assess smooth pursuit eye movements. For fMRI, greater activation was seen in the oculomotor region of the cerebellar vermis and areas of the FEF for football players as compared to either control group, who did not differ on any measure. Conclusion Greater cerebellar activity among football players while performing an oculomotor task could indicate that they are working harder to compensate for some subtle, long-term subconcussive deficits. Alternatively, top athletes in a sport requiring high visual motor skill could have more of their cerebellum and FEF devoted to oculomotor task performance regardless of subconcussive history. Overall, these results provide little firm support for an effect of accumulated subconcussion exposure on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Kellar
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Sharlene Newman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Franco Pestilli
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Hu Cheng
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Nicholas L Port
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A. Tarnutzer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Soccer is among the most popular youth sports with over 3 million youth players registered in the U.S. Soccer is unique in that players intentionally use their head to strike the ball, leading to concerns that heading could cause acute or chronic brain injury, especially in the immature brains of children. METHODS Pub Med search without date restriction was conducted in November 2014 and August 2015 using the terms soccer and concussion, heading and concussion, and youth soccer and concussion. 310 articles were identified and reviewed for applicable content specifically relating to youth athletes, heading, and/or acute or chronic brain injury from soccer. RESULTS Soccer is a low-risk sport for catastrophic head injury, but concussions are relatively common and heading often plays a role. At all levels of play, concussions are more likely to occur in the act of heading than with other facets of the game. While concussion from heading the ball without other contact to the head appears rare in adult players, some data suggests children are more susceptible to concussion from heading primarily in game situations. Contributing factors include biomechanical forces, less developed technique, and the immature brain's susceptibility to injury. CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence that heading in youth soccer causes any permanent brain injury and there is limited evidence that heading in youth soccer can cause concussion. A reasonable approach based on U.S. Youth Soccer recommendations is to teach heading after age 10 in controlled settings, and heading in games should be delayed until skill acquisition and physical maturity allow the youth player to head correctly with confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W O'Kane
- a Department of Family Medicine , University of Washington, UWMC Sports Medicine Center at Husky Stadium , Seattle , WA , USA
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26
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Di Virgilio TG, Hunter A, Wilson L, Stewart W, Goodall S, Howatson G, Donaldson DI, Ietswaart M. Evidence for Acute Electrophysiological and Cognitive Changes Following Routine Soccer Heading. EBioMedicine 2016; 13:66-71. [PMID: 27789273 PMCID: PMC5264439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is growing concern around the effects of concussion and sub-concussive impacts in sport. Routine game-play in soccer involves intentional and repeated head impacts through ball heading. Although heading is frequently cited as a risk to brain health, little data exist regarding the consequences of this activity. This study aims to assess the immediate outcomes of routine football heading using direct and sensitive measures of brain function. Methods Nineteen amateur football players (5 females; age 22 ± 3 y) headed machine-projected soccer balls at standardized speeds, modelling routine soccer practice. The primary outcome measure of corticomotor inhibition measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation, was assessed prior to heading and repeated immediately, 24 h, 48 h and 2 weeks post-heading. Secondary outcome measures were cortical excitability, postural control, and cognitive function. Results Immediately following heading an increase in corticomotor inhibition was detected; further to these electrophysiological alterations, measurable reduction memory function were also found. These acute changes appear transient, with values normalizing 24 h post-heading. Discussion Sub-concussive head impacts routine in soccer heading are associated with immediate, measurable electrophysiological and cognitive impairments. Although these changes in brain function were transient, these effects may signal direct consequences of routine soccer heading on (long-term) brain health which requires further study. Standard soccer heading results in immediate and measurable alterations in brain function. Changes in short and long term memory function and corticomotor inhibition are detectable immediately after soccer heading. These changes in brain function after just a single session of heading appear transient. These data provide direct evidence of immediate brain functional impairment associated with soccer heading.
Questions have been raised over whether soccer heading might have an effect on a player's brain, with particular worry over the proposed link between brain injury and increased risk of dementia. However, until now there have been no studies of the immediate effects of heading in soccer directly on brain function. This study found that just a single session of heading practice resulted in temporary impairment of short and long term memory function and in electrophysiological function of the brain. Whether these effects remain temporary after repeated soccer heading exposure and their long-term consequences on brain health must now be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Di Virgilio
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK
| | - Angus Hunter
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK
| | | | - William Stewart
- Department of Neuropathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow and Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Caccese JB, Lamond LC, Buckley TA, Kaminski TW. Reducing purposeful headers from goal kicks and punts may reduce cumulative exposure to head acceleration. Res Sports Med 2016; 24:407-415. [DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2016.1230549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn B. Caccese
- Biomechanics and Movement Science Interdisciplinary Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Lindsey C. Lamond
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Thomas A. Buckley
- Biomechanics and Movement Science Interdisciplinary Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Thomas W. Kaminski
- Biomechanics and Movement Science Interdisciplinary Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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Hwang S, Ma L, Kawata K, Tierney R, Jeka JJ. Vestibular Dysfunction after Subconcussive Head Impact. J Neurotrauma 2016; 34:8-15. [PMID: 26885560 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current thinking views mild head impact (i.e., subconcussion) as an underrecognized phenomenon that has the ability to cause significant current and future detrimental neurological effects. Repeated mild impacts to the head, however, often display no observable behavioral deficits based on standard clinical tests, which may lack sensitivity. The current study investigates the effects of subconcussive impacts from soccer heading with innovative measures of vestibular function and walking stability in a pre- 0-2 h, post- 24 h post-heading repeated measures design. The heading group (n = 10) executed 10 headers with soccer balls projected at a velocity of 25 mph (11.2 m/sec) over 10 min. Subjects were evaluated 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after soccer heading with: the modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS); a walking stability task with visual feedback of trunk movement; and galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) while standing with eyes closed on foam. A control group (n = 10) followed the same protocol with no heading. The results showed significant decrease in trunk angle, leg angle gain, and center of mass gain relative to GVS for the heading group compared with controls. Medial-lateral trunk orientation displacement and velocity during treadmill walking increased immediately after mild head impact for the heading group compared with controls. Controls showed an improvement in mBESS scores over time, indicating a learning effect, which was not observed with the heading group. These results suggest that mild head impact leads to a transient dysfunction in vestibular processing, which deters walking stability during task performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjae Hwang
- Department of Kinesiology, Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Kinesiology, Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ryan Tierney
- Department of Kinesiology, Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - John J Jeka
- Department of Kinesiology, Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Rodrigues AC, Lasmar RP, Caramelli P. Effects of Soccer Heading on Brain Structure and Function. Front Neurol 2016; 7:38. [PMID: 27047444 PMCID: PMC4800441 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with more than 265 million players worldwide, including professional and amateur ones. Soccer is unique in comparison to other sports, as it is the only sport in which participants purposely use their head to hit the ball. Heading is considered as an offensive or defensive move whereby the player's unprotected head is used to deliberately impact the ball and direct it during play. A soccer player can be subjected to an average of 6-12 incidents of heading the ball per competitive game, where the ball reaches high velocities. Moreover, in practice sessions, heading training, which involves heading the ball repeatedly at low velocities, is common. Although the scientific community, as well as the media, has focused on the effects of concussions in contact sports, the role of subconcussive impacts, as it can occur during heading, has recently gained attention, considering that it may represent an additional mechanism of cumulative brain injury. The purpose of this study is to review the existing literature regarding the effects of soccer heading on brain structure and function. Only in the last years, some investigations have addressed the impact of heading on brain structure, by using neuroimaging techniques. Similarly, there have been some recent studies investigating biochemical markers of brain injury in soccer players. There is evidence of association between heading and abnormal brain structure, but the data are still preliminary. Also, some studies have suggested that subconcussive head impacts, as heading, could cause cognitive impairment, whereas others have not corroborated this finding. Questions persist as to whether or not heading is deleterious to cognitive functioning. Further studies, especially with longitudinal designs, are needed to clarify the clinical significance of heading as a cause of brain injury and to identify risk factors. Such investigations might contribute to the establishment of safety guidelines that could help to minimize the risk of possible adverse effects of soccer on brain structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Rodrigues
- Pró-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
| | - Rodrigo Pace Lasmar
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paulo Caramelli
- 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
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30
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31
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Dorminy M, Hoogeveen A, Tierney RT, Higgins M, McDevitt JK, Kretzschmar J. Effect of soccer heading ball speed on S100B, sideline concussion assessments and head impact kinematics. Brain Inj 2015; 29:1158-1164. [DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2015.1035324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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32
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Elbin RJ, Beatty A, Covassin T, Schatz P, Hydeman A, Kontos AP. A Preliminary Examination of Neurocognitive Performance and Symptoms Following a Bout of Soccer Heading in Athletes Wearing Protective Soccer Headbands. Res Sports Med 2015; 23:203-14. [DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2015.1005293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. J. Elbin
- University of Arkansas, Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation/Office for Sport Concussion Research, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Amanda Beatty
- Carolina Sports Concussion Clinic, a service of Carolina Family Practice and Sports Medicine, Cary North Carolina
| | - Tracey Covassin
- Michigan State University, Department of Kinesiology, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Philip Schatz
- Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ana Hydeman
- University of Arkansas, Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation/Office for Sport Concussion Research, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Anthony P. Kontos
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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33
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Carl RL, Kinsella SB. Pediatricians' knowledge of current sports concussion legislation and guidelines and comfort with sports concussion management: a cross-sectional study. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2014; 53:689-97. [PMID: 24634428 DOI: 10.1177/0009922814526979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sports-related concussions disproportionately affect young athletes. The primary objective of our study was to determine Illinois pediatricians' level of familiarity with state concussion legislation and with published consensus guidelines for sports concussion diagnosis and treatment. We also sought to determine pediatricians' knowledge regarding concussion management and comfort treating sports concussion patients. METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey of pediatrician members of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. RESULTS Few general pediatricians (26.6%, n = 42) were "very familiar" or "somewhat familiar" with the recently passed Illinois state concussion legislation. Only 14.6% (n = 23) of general pediatrician respondents use concussion consensus guidelines in their practice. Pediatricians were generally very knowledgeable about concussions; only 5 out of 19 knowledge-based items were answered incorrectly by more than 25% of the study participants. CONCLUSIONS General pediatricians are knowledgeable about concussions but most are not well aware of state concussion legislation and concussion consensus guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Carl
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sarah B Kinsella
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Dezman ZDW, Ledet EH, Kerr HA. Neck strength imbalance correlates with increased head acceleration in soccer heading. Sports Health 2014; 5:320-6. [PMID: 24459547 PMCID: PMC3899908 DOI: 10.1177/1941738113480935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Soccer heading is using the head to directly contact the ball, often to advance the ball down the field or score. It is a skill fundamental to the game, yet it has come under scrutiny. Repeated subclinical effects of heading may compound over time, resulting in neurologic deficits. Greater head accelerations are linked to brain injury. Developing an understanding of how the neck muscles help stabilize and reduce head acceleration during impact may help prevent brain injury. Hypothesis: Neck strength imbalance correlates to increasing head acceleration during impact while heading a soccer ball. Study Design: Observational laboratory investigation. Methods: Sixteen Division I and II collegiate soccer players headed a ball in a controlled indoor laboratory setting while player motions were recorded by a 14-camera Vicon MX motion capture system. Neck flexor and extensor strength of each player was measured using a spring-type clinical dynamometer. Results: Players were served soccer balls by hand at a mean velocity of 4.29 m/s (±0.74 m/s). Players returned the ball to the server using a heading maneuver at a mean velocity of 5.48 m/s (±1.18 m/s). Mean neck strength difference was positively correlated with angular head acceleration (rho = 0.497; P = 0.05), with a trend toward significance for linear head acceleration (rho = 0.485; P = 0.057). Conclusion: This study suggests that symmetrical strength in neck flexors and extensors reduces head acceleration experienced during low-velocity heading in experienced collegiate players. Clinical Relevance: Balanced neck strength may reduce head acceleration cumulative subclinical injury. Since neck strength is a measureable and amenable strength training intervention, this may represent a modifiable intrinsic risk factor for injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric H Ledet
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York
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35
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Mapelli A, Zago M, Fusini L, Galante D, Colombo A, Sforza C. Validation of a protocol for the estimation of three-dimensional body center of mass kinematics in sport. Gait Posture 2013; 39:460-5. [PMID: 24054347 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Since strictly related to balance and stability control, body center of mass (CoM) kinematics is a relevant quantity in sport surveys. Many methods have been proposed to estimate CoM displacement. Among them, segmental method appears to be suitable to investigate CoM kinematics in sport: human body is assumed as a system of rigid bodies, hence the whole-body CoM is calculated as the weighted average of the CoM of each segment. The number of landmarks represents a crucial choice in the protocol design process: one have to find the proper compromise between accuracy and invasivity. In this study, using a motion analysis system, a protocol based upon the segmental method is validated, adopting an anatomical model comprising 14 landmarks. Two sets of experiments were conducted. Firstly, our protocol was compared to the ground reaction force method (GRF), accounted as a standard in CoM estimation. In the second experiment, we investigated the aerial phase typical of many disciplines, comparing our protocol with: (1) an absolute reference, the parabolic regression of the vertical CoM trajectory during the time of flight; (2) two common approaches to estimate CoM kinematics in gait, known as sacrum and reconstructed pelvis methods. Recognized accuracy indexes proved that the results obtained were comparable to the GRF; what is more, during the aerial phases our protocol showed to be significantly more accurate than the two other methods. The protocol assessed can therefore be adopted as a reliable tool for CoM kinematics estimation in further sport researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mapelli
- Laboratory of Movement Analysis, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy; Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.
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36
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the change in Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) performance after an athletic season. DESIGN A prospective longitudinal group study. SETTING University biomechanics research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS A total of 58 college-aged females (23 soccer student-athletes, 16 volleyball student-athletes, and 19 recreationally active healthy college students) participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS The BESS test was administered on 2 occasions 90 days apart. For the student-athletes, the first test (PRE) was administered before the start of their athletic season and the second test (POST) was administered immediately after the season. For the recreationally active college students, the PRE test was at the beginning of the academic semester and the POST test exactly 90 days thereafter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Total BESS score at PRE and POST was compared with a 3 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance. The overall change score and absolute value change score were also calculated and compared with a 1-sample t test to an expected change of zero errors. RESULTS There was no group by time interaction; however, there was a main effect for time. There was a significant improvement (P = 0.003) between PRE (9.00 ± 2.97 errors) and POST (7.92 ± 2.78 errors) BESS performance. There were significant differences for both the overall change score (1.08 errors) and the absolute value change score (2.00 errors). CONCLUSIONS A clinically and statistically significant difference in BESS performance was identified after a 90-day intercollegiate athletic season.
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37
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38
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Kontos AP, Dolese A, Elbin RJ, Covassin T, Warren BL. Relationship of soccer heading to computerized neurocognitive performance and symptoms among female and male youth soccer players. Brain Inj 2011; 25:1234-41. [DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2011.608209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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39
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Abstract
Injury rates in youth soccer, known as football outside the United States, are higher than in many other contact/collision sports and have greater relative numbers in younger, preadolescent players. With regard to musculoskeletal injuries, young females tend to suffer more knee injuries, and young males suffer more ankle injuries. Concussions are fairly prevalent in soccer as a result of contact/collision rather than purposeful attempts at heading the ball. Appropriate rule enforcement and emphasis on safe play can reduce the risk of soccer-related injuries. This report serves as a basis for encouraging safe participation in soccer for children and adolescents.
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40
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Erkmen N. Evaluating the Heading in Professional Soccer Players by Playing Positions. J Strength Cond Res 2009; 23:1723-8. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181b42633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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41
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Kaminski TW, Cousino ES, Glutting JJ. Examining the relationship between purposeful heading in soccer and computerized neuropsychological test performance. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2008; 79:235-244. [PMID: 18664047 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2008.10599486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between purposeful heading in soccer and neuropsychological test performance. Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics throughput scores were derived on seven subset variables that measure a variety of neurocognitive abilities. Simple Spearman's rank correlations were calculated between headers per game (HPG) and the criterion variables. Interestingly, math processing speed (Spearman's rho = .160) and continuous performance test #2 (rho = .124) had small but significant correlations; both showed improvement in performance pre- to postseason. There were no significant correlations between HPG and the other five variables. This study found no detrimental relationship between the number of purposeful headers and the neurocognitive measures in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Kaminski
- Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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42
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Kaminski TW, Wikstrom AM, Gutierrez GM, Glutting JJ. Purposeful heading during a season does not influence cognitive function or balance in female soccer players. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2007; 29:742-51. [PMID: 17852597 DOI: 10.1080/13825580600976911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Soccer participation, especially among females, is growing in popularity in the United States. Purposeful heading, an important soccer skill, has recently been scrutinized for safety reasons. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a relationship between purposeful heading and scores on cognitive function and balance in high school and collegiate female soccer players. Prior to and following the soccer season, all players and members of the control group were given a battery of neuropsychological and balance tests. There were no significant correlations found between the total number of game headers and performance on either balance or neuropsychological testing.Differences were noted in adjusted balance scores postseason between the collegiate players and the other two groups.However, no differences were revealed in neurocognitive performance between the three groups.
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43
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Dick R, Putukian M, Agel J, Evans TA, Marshall SW. Descriptive epidemiology of collegiate women's soccer injuries: National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System, 1988-1989 through 2002-2003. J Athl Train 2007; 42:278-85. [PMID: 17710177 PMCID: PMC1941298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review 15 years of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) injury surveillance data for women's soccer and identify potential areas for injury prevention initiatives. BACKGROUND The number of NCAA schools sponsoring women's soccer has grown tremendously, from 271 in 1988- 1989 to 879 schools in 2002-2003. During that time, the NCAA Injury Surveillance System has collected game and practice injury data for women's soccer across all 3 NCAA divisions. MAIN RESULTS The rate of injury was more than 3 times higher in games than in practices (16.44 versus 5.23 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures, rate ratio = 3.2, 95% confidence interval = 3.1, 3.4, P < .01), and preseason practices had an injury rate that was more than 3 times greater than the rate for in-season practices (9.52 versus 2.91 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures, rate ratio = 3.3, 95% confidence interval = 3.1, 3.5, P < .01). Approximately 70% of all game and practice injuries affected the lower extremities. Ankle ligament sprains (18.3%), knee internal derangements (15.9%), concussions (8.6%), and leg contusions (8.3%) accounted for a substantial portion of game injuries. Upper leg muscle-tendon strains (21.3%), ankle ligament sprains (15.3%), knee internal derangements (7.7%), and pelvis and hip muscle strains (7.6%) represented most of the practice injuries. Injuries were categorized as attributable to player contact, "other contact" (eg, contact with the ball, ground, or other object), or no contact. Player-to-player contact accounted for more than half of all game injuries (approximately 54%) but less than 20% of all practice injuries. The majority of practice injuries involved noncontact injury mechanisms. Knee internal derangements, ankle ligament sprains, and concussions were the leading game injuries that resulted in 10 or more days of time lost as a result of injury. RECOMMENDATIONS Ankle ligament sprains, knee internal derangements, and concussions are common injuries in women's soccer. Research efforts have focused on knee injuries and concussions in soccer, and further epidemiologic data are needed to determine if preventive strategies will help to alter the incidence of these injuries. Furthermore, the specific nature of the player contact leading to concussions and lower extremity injuries should be investigated. Preventive efforts should continue to focus on reducing knee injuries, ankle injuries, and concussions in women collegiate soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall Dick
- *National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Julie Agel
- ‡University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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Mansell J, Tierney RT, Sitler MR, Swanik KA, Stearne D. Resistance training and head-neck segment dynamic stabilization in male and female collegiate soccer players. J Athl Train 2005; 40:310-9. [PMID: 16404453 PMCID: PMC1323293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cervical resistance training has been purported to aid in reducing the severity of brain injuries in athletes. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of an 8-week resistance-training program on head-neck segment dynamic stabilization in male and female collegiate soccer players. DESIGN Pretest and posttest control group design. SETTING University research laboratory and fitness center. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Thirty-six National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate soccer players (17 men, 19 women). INTERVENTION(S) The resistance training group underwent an 8-week cervical resistance training program that consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions of neck flexion and extension at 55% to 70% of their 10-repetition maximum 2 times a week. Participants in the control group performed no cervical resistance exercises. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Head-neck segment kinematics and stiffness, electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles during force application to the head, and neck flexor and extensor isometric strength. RESULTS No kinematic, electromyographic, or stiffness training effects were seen. The posttest resistance training group isometric neck flexor strength was 15% greater than the pretest measurement. Isometric neck extensor strength in the female resistance training group was 22.5% greater at the posttest than at the pretest. Women's neck girth increased 3.4% over time regardless of training group level. Women exhibited 7% less head-neck segment length and 26% less head-neck segment mass than men. CONCLUSIONS Despite increases in isometric strength and girth, the 8-week isotonic cervical resistance training did not enhance head-neck segment dynamic stabilization during force application in collegiate soccer players. Future researchers should examine the effect of head-neck segment training protocols that include traditional and neuromuscular activities (eg, plyometrics) with the focus of reducing head acceleration on force application.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The focus of this review is outcome from mild traumatic brain injury. Recent literature relating to pathophysiology, neuropsychological outcome, and the persistent postconcussion syndrome will be integrated into the existing literature. RECENT FINDINGS The MTBI literature is enormous, complex, methodologically flawed, and controversial. There have been dozens of studies relating to pathophysiology, neuropsychological outcome, and the postconcussion syndrome during the past year. Two major reviews have been published. Some of the most interesting prospective research has been done with athletes. SUMMARY The cognitive and neurobehavioral sequelae are self-limiting and reasonably predictable. Mild traumatic brain injuries are characterized by immediate physiological changes conceptualized as a multilayered neurometabolic cascade in which affected cells typically recover, although under certain circumstances a small number might degenerate and die. The primary pathophysiologies include ionic shifts, abnormal energy metabolism, diminished cerebral blood flow, and impaired neurotransmission. During the first week after injury the brain undergoes a dynamic restorative process. Athletes typically return to pre-injury functioning (assessed using symptom ratings or brief neuropsychological measures) within 2-14 days. Trauma patients usually take longer to return to their pre-injury functioning. In these patients recovery can be incomplete and can be complicated by preexisting psychiatric or substance abuse problems, poor general health, concurrent orthopedic injuries, or comorbid problems (e.g. chronic pain, depression, substance abuse, life stress, unemployment, and protracted litigation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Iverson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Neuropsychiatry Program, Riverview Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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