Using the head to pass, shoot or clear a ball is routine in soccer and does not typically lead to concussions. However, a new study from the University of British Columbia reveals that even mild heading has some measurable effects on the brain.
The study published in the Annals of Biomedical Engineering has revealed that impacts from heading the ball are followed by a momentary slowing of brain activity, producing brain waves that are more typically associated with sleep and drowsiness.
In the experiment, eight healthy adults performed controlled headers with a soccer ball, with forces comparable to those typically seen during play. They wore electroencephalography (EEG) sensors and custom mouthguards that simultaneously tracked brain activity and head movement.
The participants experienced brief but statistically significant increases in delta brain waves within moments of impact, said lead researcher Dr. Lyndia Wu, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the faculty of applied science who studies sports-related injuries.
by Lou Bosshart,
University of British Columbia
