SYDNEY, June 20 (Xinhua) — Heading a soccer ball can cause subtle changes in the brain, even when no immediate symptoms or cognitive impairment are detected, new research has revealed.
The study is the first randomized controlled trial to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess the impact of heading on adult soccer players, according to a recent news release from the University of Sydney, where the research project was undertaken.
Fifteen male players participated in the experiment, each heading a ball 20 times over 20 minutes, with balls launched at a constant speed to ensure consistency. MRI scans revealed measurable changes in brain chemistry and decreased electrical conductivity in several regions, particularly those involved in motor control, the news release said.
No participants experienced short-term cognitive impairment, but the findings added to growing evidence that even routine, symptom-free heading may disrupt brain cells at a microstructural level, said the study published in Sports Medicine – Open.
While their research did not demonstrate a direct link between heading and dementia, it highlighted the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of repeated heading, said Nathan Delang, who led the research as a PhD candidate at Griffith University in Australia.
With dementia concerns rising among ex-footballers, the United States and Britain have restricted heading for young players, while Australia is still considering similar measures, according to the study.
The researchers urged caution, particularly during training, and called for more research to determine whether these subtle changes accumulate over time and what implications they may have for players’ health.
