Soccer headers cause more damage to brain than previously thought, study suggests
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LOS ANGELES - Repeated heading in soccer may cause more significant brain damage than previously understood, according to a study to be presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting. The findings suggest that even without concussions, repeated head impacts can lead to structural brain abnormalities and cognitive impairment over time.
Key findings from the study
The study analyzed brain MRIs of 352 amateur soccer players, aged 18 to 53, comparing them to 77 non-collision athletes such as runners. Using an advanced imaging technique called diffusion MRI, researchers identified abnormalities in the brain’s white matter near sulci, deep grooves on the brain's surface.
- Affected regions: The abnormalities were most prominent in the frontal lobe, an area frequently impacted during heading.
- Cognitive impact: Players with higher exposure to heading demonstrated poorer verbal learning abilities.
- CTE-like changes: The brain areas affected are similar to those associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated head trauma.
"The potential effects of repeated head impacts in sport are much more extensive than previously known," said Dr. Michael L. Lipton, senior author of the study and professor of radiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
No concussion? No problem—brain damage still possible
Notably, most participants had never experienced a diagnosed concussion, emphasizing that even low-impact, repeated head trauma can harm brain health.
"The study identifies structural brain abnormalities from repeated head impacts among healthy athletes," Lipton explained. "These abnormalities are associated with worse ability to learn a cognitive task and could affect function in the future."
FILE - Fabricio Coloccini (L) and Gonzalo Rodriguez of San Lorenzo go for a header during the match against Palmeiras for the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2019 at Allianz Parque Stadium on May 08, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Implications for contact sports
Although focused on soccer, the findings raise broader concerns for athletes in other contact sports, where repetitive head impacts are common. The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding these risks to help make sports safer.
Next steps in research
Ongoing studies aim to uncover the exact mechanisms underlying these brain changes and identify potential protective measures.
"Characterizing the potential risks of repetitive head impacts can facilitate safer sport engagement to maximize benefits while minimizing potential harms," Lipton added.
Takeaways for athletes and parents
- Awareness of the risks associated with heading and other repetitive impacts is crucial for informed decision-making.
- Coaches and sports organizations may consider limiting heading in youth soccer to reduce risks.
The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and The Dana Foundation, highlights the need for continued research into the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma in sports.