Repeatedly heading a soccer ball could lead to brain damage, according to a recent study. Researchers found that frequent "heading" may affect areas of the brain associated with conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disorder linked to repeated head trauma.

Dr Michael Lipton, senior author of the study and professor of radiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, emphasized the potential long-term effects of such impacts. “The potential effects of repeated head impacts in sport are much more extensive than previously known and affect locations similar to where we’ve seen CTE pathology,” Lipton explained. “This raises concern for delayed adverse effects of head impacts.”

The findings are set to be presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting in Chicago.

Brain Changes Observed in Soccer Players

Using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the research team examined the brains of 352 amateur soccer players aged 18 to 53. For comparison, 77 non-collision athletes, such as runners, were also studied. The scans revealed changes in the brain’s white matter near the sulci, the deep grooves on the brain’s surface. These changes are typically seen in individuals with severe traumatic brain injuries.

Soccer heading appeared to be a significant factor in these alterations, primarily affecting the brain’s frontal lobe. Notably, players who frequently headed the ball exhibited poorer verbal learning abilities, the study found.

Interestingly, most participants had no prior diagnosis of concussion or traumatic brain injury. This suggests that even minor, repetitive head impacts could have a cumulative effect on brain health.

“Our analysis showed that the white matter abnormalities represent a mechanism by which heading leads to worse cognitive performance,” Lipton stated.

Implications for Safer Sports Practices

This research could influence how sports are played and managed. Understanding the risks associated with repetitive head impacts may lead to safer practices, Lipton noted. “Characterizing the potential risks of repetitive head impacts can facilitate safer sports engagement to maximize benefits while minimizing potential harms.”

The study team is continuing their work, focusing on the underlying brain mechanisms and identifying potential protective factors that could mitigate these risks.

Preliminary Findings

As the findings are yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, they should be considered preliminary. However, they add to growing evidence that repetitive head impacts, even those that don’t result in diagnosed concussions, may pose significant risks to brain health.

This study underscores the importance of further research into how repetitive minor head trauma affects athletes and how to protect them while preserving the integrity of sports.

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