Evidence for acute electrophysiological and cognitive changes following routine soccer heading

Di Virgilio, T. G., Hunter, A., Wilson, L., Stewart, W. , Goodall, S., Howatson, G., Donaldson, D. I. and Ietswaart, M. (2016) Evidence for acute electrophysiological and cognitive changes following routine soccer heading. EBioMedicine, 13, pp. 66-71. (doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.10.029) (PMID:27789273)

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 ± 3y) 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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Stewart, Dr William
• Authors: Di Virgilio, T. G., Hunter, A., Wilson, L., Stewart, W., Goodall, S., Howatson, G., Donaldson, D. I., and Ietswaart, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: EBioMedicine
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 2352-3964
• ISSN (Online): 2352-3964
• Published Online: 23 October 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• First Published: First published in EBioMedicine 13:66-71
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License