Effects of Heading in Youth Soccer Players
Author Information
Author(s): Victoria E. Wahlquist, Thomas A. Buckley, Jaclyn B. Caccese, Joseph J. Glutting, Todd D. Royer, Thomas W. Kaminski
Primary Institution: University of Delaware
Hypothesis
Heading exposure would predict an increased change in self-reported symptoms; and that as heading exposure increased, neurocognitive functioning and balance would worsen.
Conclusion
The low heading exposure in our cohort of youth soccer players was likely not enough to elicit any changes in clinical measures.
Supporting Evidence
- Small improvements in neurocognitive functioning and gait were observed from pre- to post-season.
- All changes were not clinically relevant and likely due to a practice effect.
- Heading exposure was not a predictor for most clinical outcome measures.
Takeaway
This study looked at how heading the ball in soccer affects young players' brains and balance. It found that heading didn't really change how they felt or performed over the season.
Methodology
Participants completed concussion assessment tests pre- and post-season, with heading exposure captured through video recording.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and exclusion of players who did not head the ball.
Limitations
The study only included female athletes from two clubs and had low levels of heading exposure.
Participant Demographics
61 female youth soccer players aged 11-14 from two local soccer clubs.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.034, 0.038, <0.001, 0.006, 0.046, 0.002, 0.016
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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