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Weber J, Reinsberger C, Krutsch V, Seiffert R, Huber L, Alt V, Krutsch W. Heading and risk of injury situations for the head in professional German football: a video analysis of over 150,000 headers in 110,000 match minutes. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2023; 7:307-314. [PMID: 35994618 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2114602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
To provide detailed epidemiological data on situations with a propensity of head injuries due to heading in professional football. In a prospective cohort study including the four highest professional football leagues in Germany, headers carried out in 1244 official matches and critical situations (CI) with a potential risk for injuries over one season were assessed by video analysis and a standardised video protocol. Results: 154,766 headers in 111,960 match minutes were recorded (1.4 headings/min). Video analysis showed a mean of 6.2 headers per field player and match (SD: 2,9; min: 0; max: 19) in the entire study population with a peak in the third league (7.1 per player and match). Headers were predominantly carried out with the forehead (78.5%), and nearly two-thirds occurred during defence (64.3%). 49.9% of all headers occurred during tackling, of which 78.3% involved body contact with an opponent. Video analysis yielded 848 CI. 74.5% of all critical incidents occurred during heading duels as a part of tackling (odds ratio: 3.6, 95%-CI: 2.4-5.2), and 99.4% involved body contact (odds ratio: 5.9, 95%-CI: 2,8-12,7). This study is the first to provide detailed epidemiological data on heading and critical incidences with high risk for head injuries in professional football. Heading duels bear a high risk of head injury and thus represent a key target for prevention strategies. The impacts of headers should be critically investigated regarding neurological consequences in further studies, by including the mean heading rate per mal field player and match.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Weber
- Department of Trauma, Orthopaedic and Sports Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claus Reinsberger
- Institute of Sports Medicine, University of Paderborn, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Volker Krutsch
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, General Hospital Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Robin Seiffert
- Department of Trauma, Orthopaedic and Sports Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Huber
- Department of Trauma, Orthopaedic and Sports Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Volker Alt
- Department of Trauma, Orthopaedic and Sports Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Werner Krutsch
- Department of Trauma, Orthopaedic and Sports Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Huber CM, Patton DA, Rownd KR, Patterson Gentile C, Master CL, Arbogast KB. Neurophysiological Effects of Repeated Soccer Heading in Youth. J Biomech Eng 2023; 145:091005. [PMID: 37216312 PMCID: PMC10259471 DOI: 10.1115/1.4062423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Repeated head loading in sports is associated with negative long-term brain health, and there is growing evidence of short-term neurophysiological changes after repeated soccer heading. The objective of this study was to quantify the head kinematics and effects of repetitive soccer headers in adolescents using an instrumented mouthguard. Adolescent soccer players aged 13-18 years were randomly assigned to a kicking control, frontal heading, or oblique heading group. Participants completed neurophysiological assessments at three-time points: immediately prior to, immediately after, and approximately 24 h after completing 10 headers or kicks. The suite of assessments included the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory, visio-vestibular exam, King-Devick test, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance with force plate sway measurement, pupillary light reflex, and visual evoked potential. Data were collected for 19 participants (17 male). Frontal headers resulted in significantly higher peak resultant linear acceleration (17.4 ± 0.5 g) compared to oblique headers (12.1 ± 0.4 g, p < 0.001), and oblique headers resulted in significantly higher peak resultant angular acceleration (frontal: 1147 ± 45 rad/s2, oblique: 1410 ± 65 rad/s2, p < 0.001). There were no neurophysiological deficits for either heading group or significant differences from controls at either post-heading timepoint, and therefore, a bout of repeated headers did not result in changes in the neurophysiological measures evaluated in this study. The current study provided data regarding the direction of headers with the goal to reduce the risk of repetitive head loading for adolescent athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin M. Huber
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104; Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146
| | - Declan A. Patton
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146
| | - Kathryn R. Rownd
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146
| | - Carlyn Patterson Gentile
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146; Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Christina L. Master
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146; Sports Medicine and Performance Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Kristy B. Arbogast
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19146; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Di Virgilio TG, Ietswaart M, Selvamoorthy R, Hunter AM. The Reliability of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Derived Corticomotor Inhibition as a Brain Health Evaluation Tool in Soccer Players. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:7. [PMID: 35029772 PMCID: PMC8760368 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The suitability of corticomotor inhibition and corticospinal excitability to measure brain health outcomes and recovery of sport-related head impact (concussion and subconcussion) depends on good inter-day reliability, which is evaluated in this study. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) reliability in soccer players is assessed by comparing soccer players, for whom reliability on this measure may be reduced due to exposure to head impacts, to generally active individuals not engaged in contact sport. Methods TMS-derived corticomotor inhibition and corticospinal excitability were recorded from the rectus femoris muscle during two testing sessions, spaced 1–2 weeks apart in 19 soccer players (SOC—age 22 ± 3 years) and 20 generally active (CON—age 24 ± 4 years) healthy volunteers. Inter-day reliability between the two time points was quantified by using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Intra-group reliability and group differences on actual measurement values were also explored. Results Good inter-day reliability was evident for corticomotor inhibition (ICCSOC = 0.61; ICCCON = 0.70) and corticospinal excitability (ICCSOC = 0.59; ICCCON = 0.70) in both generally active individuals and soccer players routinely exposed to sport-related head impacts. Corticomotor inhibition showed lower coefficients of variation than excitability for both groups (InhibSOC = 15.2%; InhibCON = 9.7%; ExcitabSOC = 41.6%; ExcitabCON = 39.5%). No group differences between soccer players and generally active individuals were found on the corticomotor inhibition value (p > 0.05), but levels of corticospinal excitability were significantly lower in soccer players (45.1 ± 20.8 vs 85.4 ± 6.2%Mmax, p < 0.0001). Corticomotor inhibition also showed excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.87). Conclusions Corticomotor inhibition and corticospinal excitability are stable and maintain good degrees of reliability when assessed over different days in soccer players, despite their routine exposure to head impacts. However, based on intra-group reliability and group differences of the levels of excitability, we conclude that corticomotor inhibition is best suited for the evaluation of neuromuscular alterations associated with head impacts in contact sports.
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Smirl JD, Peacock D, Burma JS, Wright AD, Bouliane KJ, Dierijck J, van Donkelaar P. Repetitive bout of controlled soccer heading does not alter heart rate variability metrics: A preliminary investigation. Front Neurol 2022; 13:980938. [PMID: 36504654 PMCID: PMC9732532 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.980938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives There is elevated unease regarding how repetitive head impacts, such as those associated with soccer heading, contribute to alterations in brain function. This study examined the extent heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) metrics are altered immediately following an acute bout of soccer heading. Methods Seven male elite soccer players (24.1 ± 1.5 years) completed 40 successful soccer headers in 20-min. The headers were performed under controlled circumstances using a soccer ball launcher located 25 meters away and using an initial ball velocity of 77.5 ± 3.7 km/h (heading condition). An accelerometer (xPatch) on the right mastoid process quantified linear/rotational head accelerations. Participants also completed sham (body contact) and control (non-contact) sessions. A three-lead ECG and finger photoplethysmography characterized short-term spontaneous HRV/cardiac BRS, before and after each condition. The SCAT3 indexed symptom scores pre-post exposures to all three conditions. Results During the heading condition, cumulative linear and rotational accelerations experienced were 1,574 ± 97.9 g and 313,761 ± 23,966 rad/s2, respectively. Heart rate trended toward an increase from pre- to post-heading (p = 0.063), however HRV metrics in the time-domain (ps > 0.260) and frequency-domain (ps > 0.327) as well as cardiac BRS (ps > 0.144) were not significantly changed following all three conditions. Following the heading condition, SCAT3 symptom severity increased (p = 0.030) with a trend for symptom score augmentation (p = 0.078) compared to control and sham. Conclusion Whereas, symptoms as measured by the SCAT3 were induced following an acute bout of controlled soccer heading, these preliminary findings indicate they were not accompanied by alterations to autonomic function. Ultimately, this demonstrates further research is needed to understand the physiological underpinnings of alterations in brain function occurring immediately after a bout of soccer heading and how these may, over time, contribute to long-term neurological impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan David Smirl
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,*Correspondence: Jonathan David Smirl
| | - Dakota Peacock
- Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joel Stephen Burma
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alexander D. Wright
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin J. Bouliane
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jill Dierijck
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada,School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Paul van Donkelaar
- Concussion Research Lab, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Jack J, Woodgates A, Smail O, Brown F, Lynam K, Lester A, Williams G, Bond B. Cerebral blood flow regulation is not acutely altered after a typical number of headers in women footballers. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1021536. [PMID: 36479047 PMCID: PMC9719992 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1021536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The repeated act of heading has been implicated in the link between football participation and risk of neurodegenerative disease, and acutely alters cerebrovascular outcomes in men. This study assessed whether exposure to a realistic number of headers acutely influences indices of cerebral blood flow regulation in female footballers. METHODS Nineteen female players completed a heading trial and seated control trial on two separate days. The heading trial involved six headers in 1 h (one every 10 min), with the ball traveling at 40 ± 5 km/h. Cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia and hypocapnia was determined using serial breath holding and hyperventilation attempts. Dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) was assessed by scrutinizing the relationship between cerebral blood flow and mean arterial blood pressure during 5 min of squat stand maneuvers at 0.05 Hz. Neurovascular coupling (NVC) was quantified as the posterior cerebral artery blood velocity response to a visual search task. These outcomes were assessed before and 1 h after the heading or control trial. RESULTS No significant time by trial interaction was present for the hypercapnic (P = 0.48,η p 2 = 0.05) and hypocapnic (P = 0.47,η p 2 = 0.06) challenge. Similarly, no significant interaction effect was present for any metric of dCA (P > 0.12,η p 2 < 0.16 for all) or NVC (P > 0.14,η p 2 < 0.15 for all). CONCLUSION The cerebral blood flow response to changes in carbon dioxide, blood pressure and a visual search task were not altered following six headers in female footballers. Further study is needed to observe whether changes are apparent after more prolonged exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bert Bond
- Exeter Head Impacts, Brain Injury and Trauma (ExHIBIT) Research Group, Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Rezaei A, Wu LC. Automated soccer head impact exposure tracking using video and deep learning. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9282. [PMID: 35661123 PMCID: PMC9166706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Head impacts are highly prevalent in sports and there is a pressing need to investigate the potential link between head impact exposure and brain injury risk. Wearable impact sensors and manual video analysis have been utilized to collect impact exposure data. However, wearable sensors suffer from high deployment cost and limited accuracy, while manual video analysis is a long and resource-intensive task. Here we develop and apply DeepImpact, a computer vision algorithm to automatically detect soccer headers using soccer game videos. Our data-driven pipeline uses two deep learning networks including an object detection algorithm and temporal shift module to extract visual and temporal features of video segments and classify the segments as header or nonheader events. The networks were trained and validated using a large-scale professional-level soccer video dataset, with labeled ground truth header events. The algorithm achieved 95.3% sensitivity and 96.0% precision in cross-validation, and 92.9% sensitivity and 21.1% precision in an independent test that included videos of five professional soccer games. Video segments identified as headers in the test data set correspond to 3.5 min of total film time, which can be reviewed through additional manual video verification to eliminate false positives. DeepImpact streamlines the process of manual video analysis and can help to collect large-scale soccer head impact exposure datasets for brain injury research. The fully video-based solution is a low-cost alternative for head impact exposure monitoring and may also be expanded to other sports in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Rezaei
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Lyndia C Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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An acute bout of controlled subconcussive impacts can alter dynamic cerebral autoregulation indices: a preliminary investigation. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:1059-1070. [PMID: 35171333 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-04908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is growing concern repetitive head contacts sustained by soccer players may lead to long-term health ramifications. Therefore, this preliminary investigation examined the impact an acute soccer heading bout has on dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) metrics. METHODS In this preliminary investigation, 40 successful soccer headers were performed in 20 min by 7 male elite soccer players (24.1 ± 1.5 years). Soccer balls were launched at 77.5 ± 3.7 km/h from JUGS soccer machine, located 35 m away from participants. Linear and rotational head accelerations impacts were measured using an accelerometer (xPatch). The SCAT3 indexed concussion symptom score and severity before and after: soccer headers, sham (body contact only), and control conditions. Squat-stand maneuvers were performed at 0.05 Hz and 0.10 Hz to quantity dCA through measures of coherence, phase, and gain. RESULTS Cumulative linear and rotational accelerations during soccer headers were 1574 ± 97.9 g and 313,761 ± 23,966 rads/s2, respectively. SCAT3 symptom severity was elevated after the soccer heading bout (pre 3.7 ± 3.6, post 9.4 ± 7.6: p = 0.030) and five of the seven participants reported an increase in concussion-like symptoms (pre: 2.6 ± 3.0, post: 6.7 ± 6.2; p = 0.078). Phase at 0.10 Hz was elevated following soccer heading (p = 0.008). No other dCA metric differed following the three conditions. CONCLUSION These preliminary results indicate an acute bout of soccer heading resulted in alterations to dCA metrics. Therefore, future research with larger sample sizes is warranted to fully comprehend short- and long-term physiological changes related to soccer heading.
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Ashton J, Coyles G, Malone JJ, Roberts JW. Immediate effects of an acute bout of repeated soccer heading on cognitive performance. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022; 5:181-187. [PMID: 35077295 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2020.1846769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: There isgrowing concern surrounding the harmful effects of soccer heading on cognitive function. The present study aims to examine the immediate effects of heading.Methods: 30 recreational male soccer players were divided into three groups that undertook 20 consecutive headers with a soft (8.8 psi), hard (16.2 psi), or no (control) ball. A battery of neuropsychological tests was completed before and after heading: King-Devick, trail-making (TM) (A, B), digit span (DS) and spatial span (SS) (forward, backward).Results: Significant increase in the time (M = 4.44 s) and errors (M = 1.45) for the King-Devick test within the hard and soft groups, although there was no significant difference for TM-A and TM-B. Significant decline for SS forward within the hard and soft groups (M= -16%), although the declines for SS backward (M = -16%), DS forward (M= -23%) and DS backward (M = -25%) were present only for the hard group (ps <.05).Discussion: While outside of regular match-play, this study showed that heading negatively influenced one indicator of a suspected concussion (King-Devick), as well as working memory (DS, SS) that is essential for daily life. These findings contribute to the growing debate surrounding heading safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Ashton
- School of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, UK, L16 9JD
| | - Ginny Coyles
- School of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, UK, L16 9JD
| | - James J Malone
- School of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, UK, L16 9JD
| | - James W Roberts
- School of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, UK, L16 9JD
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Potential Mechanisms of Acute Standing Balance Deficits After Concussions and Subconcussive Head Impacts: A Review. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:2693-2715. [PMID: 34258718 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-021-02831-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Standing balance deficits are prevalent after concussions and have also been reported after subconcussive head impacts. However, the mechanisms underlying such deficits are not fully understood. The objective of this review is to consolidate evidence linking head impact biomechanics to standing balance deficits. Mechanical energy transferred to the head during impacts may deform neural and sensory components involved in the control of standing balance. From our review of acute balance-related changes, concussions frequently resulted in increased magnitude but reduced complexity of postural sway, while subconcussive studies showed inconsistent outcomes. Although vestibular and visual symptoms are common, potential injury to these sensors and their neural pathways are often neglected in biomechanics analyses. While current evidence implies a link between tissue deformations in deep brain regions including the brainstem and common post-concussion balance-related deficits, this link has not been adequately investigated. Key limitations in current studies include inadequate balance sampling duration, varying test time points, and lack of head impact biomechanics measurements. Future investigations should also employ targeted quantitative methods to probe the sensorimotor and neural components underlying balance control. A deeper understanding of the specific injury mechanisms will inform diagnosis and management of balance deficits after concussions and subconcussive head impact exposure.
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Wahlquist VE, Kaminski TW. Analysis of Head Impact Biomechanics in Youth Female Soccer Players Following the Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer™ Heading Intervention. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:3859. [PMID: 34204896 PMCID: PMC8199772 DOI: 10.3390/s21113859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The effects of repetitive head impacts associated with soccer heading, especially in the youth population, are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine balance, neurocognitive function, and head impact biomechanics after an acute bout of heading before and after the Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer™ program intervention. Twelve youth female soccer players wore a Triax SIM-G head impact sensor during two bouts of heading, using a lightweight soccer ball, one before and one after completion of the Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer™ program intervention. Participants completed balance (BESS and SWAY) and neurocognitive function (ImPACT) tests at baseline and after each bout of heading. There were no significant changes in head impact biomechanics, BESS, or ImPACT scores pre- to post-season. Deficits in three of the five SWAY positions were observed from baseline to post-season. Although we expected to see beneficial changes in head impact biomechanics following the intervention, the coaches and researchers observed an improvement in heading technique/form. Lightweight soccer balls would be a beneficial addition to header drills during training as they are safe and help build confidence in youth soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas W. Kaminski
- Athletic Training Research Laboratory, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
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11
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Abstract
Recent public concern over the short- and long-term effects of repetitive head impacts (RHI) associated with purposeful heading in soccer has led researchers to study a multitude of variables related to this important aspect of the game. Of particular interests are the effects of soccer heading in the youth population (≤ 13 years old) whose brains are undergoing rapid development. We conducted a review on youth soccer heading that includes purposeful heading frequency, head impact biomechanics, head injuries, clinical outcomes, and modifying factors. We have concluded that youth soccer players head the ball at a low frequency that typically increases with age and with a finding that boys head the ball more often than girls do. Interestingly, although girls head the ball less frequently than boys do, they tend to sustain higher head impact magnitudes. Head injuries are more likely to occur in girls versus boys and during games because of contact with another player. Clinical outcome measures of concussion are often utilized to study the effects of soccer heading, in both field and laboratory environments. Immediately following soccer heading, youth often report having a headache and demonstrate some deficits in balance measures. Modifying factors that may benefit soccer players participating in purposeful heading activities include stronger neck musculature, wearing headgear, and the use of mouthguards. Research involving youth soccer players needs to be expanded and funded appropriately to better understand the consequences of RHI in both the short and long term.
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Rao HM, Yuditskaya S, Williamson JR, Vian TR, Lacirignola JJ, Shenk TE, Talavage TM, Heaton KJ, Quatieri TF. Using Oculomotor Features to Predict Changes in Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and ImPACT Scores From Contact-Sport Athletes. Front Neurol 2021; 12:584684. [PMID: 33746869 PMCID: PMC7969804 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.584684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is mounting evidence linking the cumulative effects of repetitive head impacts to neuro-degenerative conditions. Robust clinical assessment tools to identify mild traumatic brain injuries are needed to assist with timely diagnosis for return-to-field decisions and appropriately guide rehabilitation. The focus of the present study is to investigate the potential for oculomotor features to complement existing diagnostic tools, such as measurements of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD) and Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). Thirty-one high school American football and soccer athletes were tracked through the course of a sports season. Given the high risk of repetitive head impacts associated with both soccer and football, our hypotheses were that (1) ONSD and ImPACT scores would worsen through the season and (2) oculomotor features would effectively capture both neurophysiological changes reflected by ONSD and neuro-functional status assessed via ImPACT. Oculomotor features were used as input to Linear Mixed-Effects Regression models to predict ONSD and ImPACT scores as outcomes. Prediction accuracy was evaluated to identify explicit relationships between eye movements, ONSD, and ImPACT scores. Significant Pearson correlations were observed between predicted and actual outcomes for ONSD (Raw = 0.70; Normalized = 0.45) and for ImPACT (Raw = 0.86; Normalized = 0.71), demonstrating the capability of oculomotor features to capture neurological changes detected by both ONSD and ImPACT. The most predictive features were found to relate to motor control and visual-motor processing. In future work, oculomotor models, linking neural structures to oculomotor function, can be built to gain extended mechanistic insights into neurophysiological changes observed through seasons of participation in contact sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hrishikesh M Rao
- Human Health & Performance Systems Group, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
| | - Sophia Yuditskaya
- Human Health & Performance Systems Group, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
| | - James R Williamson
- Human Health & Performance Systems Group, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
| | - Trina R Vian
- Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction Systems Group, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
| | - Joseph J Lacirignola
- Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction Systems Group, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
| | - Trey E Shenk
- Advanced Radio Frequency Techniques & Systems Group, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
| | - Thomas M Talavage
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Kristin J Heaton
- Military Performance Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States
| | - Thomas F Quatieri
- Human Health & Performance Systems Group, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
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Huber CM, Patton DA, McDonald CC, Jain D, Simms K, Lallo VA, Margulies SS, Master CL, Arbogast KB. Sport- and Gender-Based Differences in Head Impact Exposure and Mechanism in High School Sports. Orthop J Sports Med 2021; 9:2325967120984423. [PMID: 33738313 PMCID: PMC7933779 DOI: 10.1177/2325967120984423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Repeated head impacts sustained by athletes have been linked to short-term neurophysiologic deficits; thus, there is growing concern about the number of head impacts sustained in sports. Accurate head impact exposure data obtained via head impact sensors may help identify appropriate strategies across sports and between genders to mitigate repetitive head impacts. Purpose: To quantify sport- and gender-based differences in head impact rate and mechanism for adolescents. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: High school female and male varsity soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey (female only) teams were instrumented with headband-mounted impact sensors during games over 2 seasons of soccer and 1 season of basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. Video review was used to remove false-positive sensor-recorded events, and the head impact rate per athlete-exposure (AE) was calculated. Impact mechanism was categorized as equipment to head, fall, player to head, or head to ball (soccer only). Results: Male players had significantly higher head impact rates as compared with female players in soccer (3.08 vs 1.41 impacts/AE; rate ratio, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.8-2.6]), basketball (0.90 vs 0.25; 3.6 [2.6-4.6]), and lacrosse (0.83 vs 0.06; 12.9 [10.1-15.8]). Impact mechanism distributions were similar within sports between boys and girls. In soccer, head to ball represented 78% of impacts, whereas at least 88% in basketball were player-to-player contact. Conclusion: Across sports for boys and girls, soccer had the highest impact rate. Male high school soccer, basketball, and lacrosse teams had significantly higher head impact rates than did female teams of the same sport. For girls, basketball had a higher head impact rate than did lacrosse and field hockey, and for boys, basketball had a similar impact rate to lacrosse, a collision sport. Sport differences in the distribution of impact mechanisms create sport-specific targets for reducing head impact exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin M Huber
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Declan A Patton
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Catherine C McDonald
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Divya Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katherine Simms
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Valerie A Lallo
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Biomedical Engineering Department, Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan S Margulies
- Walter H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christina L Master
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristy B Arbogast
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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The Effect of Sub-Concussive Impacts during a Rugby Tackling Drill on Brain Function. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10120960. [PMID: 33321843 PMCID: PMC7764819 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Concussion is known to detrimentally affect brain health. Rugby tackles commonly occur with high collision force between tackler and ball carrier, and low impact head contact is not uncommon. Cognitive deficits following a bout of soccer ball heading has been attributed to the impact and termed sub-concussion. Although soccer ball heading studies provide evidence for acute effects of sub-concussion, it is unknown whether this phenomenon occurs following rugby tackles. This study investigates the acute effects of rugby tackles on brain function and balance in rugby players. Twenty-six volunteers were assigned to either the ball carrier (9), tackler (9) or control (8) group. Controls performed running without the tackle. Outcome measures included corticomotor function using transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) and balance was assessed by a series of tasks performed on a NeuroCom Balance Master before and immediately after a tackle training drill. Following the tackling bout, the cortical silent period (cSP) increased for the tacklers with no change for ball carrier and control groups, and no differences between groups for balance measures were observed. Lengthening of cSP observed in the tacklers following the bout has been reported in studies of concussion and may indicate long term detrimental effects.
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15
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The effects of repetitive head impacts on postural control: A systematic review. J Sci Med Sport 2020; 24:247-257. [PMID: 32948449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of our study was to investigate the association between repetitive head impact (RHI) exposure and postural control. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo were searched using a self-developed search term including the keywords balance OR postural control AND repetitive OR sub-concussive head impacts. Twenty-one studies excluding non-peer reviewed studies, secondary studies, cross-sectional studies, animal studies, and studies investigating concussion were included for further analyses. We rated Level of Evidence and quality using the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine tool, the Quality Assessment for the Systematic Review of Effectiveness, and the Sub-concussion Specific Tool. RESULTS All included studies were grouped into Category I and II studies. Category I included trials investigating the effects of controlled soccer heading on postural control (n=8) and Category II studies were cohort studies investigating on-the-field changes between preseason and postseason assessments on postural control measures (n=13). Findings were heterogeneous, with a tendency towards no effects of RHI on clinical postural control measures. Most laboratory studies in Category I used instrumented assessments whereas on-the-field studies in Category II used both instrumented and non-instrumented assessments. CONCLUSIONS Due to heterogeneous findings, future studies aiming to investigate the effects of RHI on different athlete populations are needed on other participant cohorts. Furthermore, the combination of objective clinical balance measures may be a promising approach to accurately measure how, and to what degree, postural control may be affected by RHI.
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16
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Smirl JD, Peacock D, Wright AD, Bouliane KJ, Dierijck J, Burma JS, Kennefick M, Wallace C, van Donkelaar P. An Acute Bout of Soccer Heading Subtly Alters Neurovascular Coupling Metrics. Front Neurol 2020; 11:738. [PMID: 32849205 PMCID: PMC7396491 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The current investigation examined how a bout of soccer heading may impact brain function. Design: Semi-randomized crossover cohort. Setting: Controlled soccer heading. Participants: Seven male soccer players (24.1 ± 1.5 years). Intervention: 40 successful soccer headers were performed in 20 min (25 m, launch velocity ~80 km/h). X2 xPatch recorded linear and rotational head accelerations during each impact. A contact control “sham” condition – ball made body contact, but not by the head; and a no activity time “control” condition were also completed. Main Outcome Measures: Posterior and middle cerebral artery (PCA and MCA, respectively), cerebral blood velocity (CBV) was recorded during a visual task (neurovascular coupling: NVC) alongside SCAT3 symptoms scores pre/post a controlled bout of soccer heading. Results: Cumulative linear and rotational accelerations were 1,574 ± 97.9 g and 313,761 ± 23,966 rads/s2, respectively, during heading and changes in SCAT3 symptom number (pre: 2.6 ± 3.0; post: 6.7 ± 6.2, p = 0.13) and severity (pre: 3.7 ± 3.6, post: 9.4 ± 7.6, p = 0.11) were unchanged. In the PCA, no NVC differences were observed, including: relative CBV increase (28.0 ± 7.6%, p = 0.71) and total activation (188.7 ± 68.1 cm, p = 0.93). However, MCA-derived NVC metrics were blunted following heading, demonstrating decreased relative CBV increase (7.8 ± 3.1%, p = 0.03) and decreased total activation (26.7 ± 45.3 cm, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Although an acute bout of soccer heading did not result in an increase of concussion-like symptoms, there were alterations in NVC responses within the MCA during a visual task. This suggests an acute bout of repetitive soccer heading can alter CBV regulation within the region of the brain associated with the header impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Smirl
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dakota Peacock
- Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Alexander D Wright
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,MD/PhD Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin J Bouliane
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Jill Dierijck
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health, School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Joel S Burma
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Kennefick
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Colin Wallace
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Paul van Donkelaar
- Concussion Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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17
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Di Virgilio TG, Ietswaart M, Wilson L, Donaldson DI, Hunter AM. Understanding the Consequences of Repetitive Subconcussive Head Impacts in Sport: Brain Changes and Dampened Motor Control Are Seen After Boxing Practice. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:294. [PMID: 31551732 PMCID: PMC6746992 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The potential effects of exposure to repetitive subconcussive head impacts through routine participation in sport are not understood. To investigate the effects of repetitive subconcussive head impacts we studied boxers following customary training (sparring) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), decomposition electromyographic (EMG) and tests of memory. Methods Twenty amateur boxers performed three 3-min sparring bouts. Parameters of brain function and motor control were assessed prior to sparring and again immediately, 1 h and 24 h post-sparring. Twenty control participants were assessed following mock-sparring. Results One hour after sparring boxers showed increased corticomotor inhibition, altered motor unit recruitment strategies, and decreased memory performance relative to controls, with values returning to baseline by the 24 h follow up. Conclusion Repetitive subconcussive head impacts associated with sparring resulted in acute and transient brain changes similar to those previously reported in soccer heading, providing convergent evidence that sport-related head impacts produce a GABAergic response. These acute changes in brain health are reminiscent of effects seen following brain injury, and suggest a potential mechanism underlying the damaging long-term effects of routine repetitive head impacts in sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Di Virgilio
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Ietswaart
- Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay Wilson
- Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - David I Donaldson
- Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Angus M Hunter
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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18
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Changed Temporal Structure of Neuromuscular Control, Rather Than Changed Intersegment Coordination, Explains Altered Stabilographic Regularity after a Moderate Perturbation of the Postural Control System. ENTROPY 2019; 21:e21060614. [PMID: 33267328 PMCID: PMC7515107 DOI: 10.3390/e21060614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sample entropy (SaEn) applied on center-of-pressure (COP) data provides a measure for the regularity of human postural control. Two mechanisms could contribute to altered COP regularity: first, an altered temporal structure (temporal regularity) of postural movements (H1); or second, altered coordination between segment movements (coordinative complexity; H2). The current study used rapid, voluntary head-shaking to perturb the postural control system, thus producing changes in COP regularity, to then assess the two hypotheses. Sixteen healthy participants (age 26.5 ± 3.5; seven females), whose postural movements were tracked via 39 reflective markers, performed trials in which they first stood quietly on a force plate for 30 s, then shook their head for 10 s, finally stood quietly for another 90 s. A principal component analysis (PCA) performed on the kinematic data extracted the main postural movement components. Temporal regularity was determined by calculating SaEn on the time series of these movement components. Coordinative complexity was determined by assessing the relative explained variance of the first five components. H1 was supported, but H2 was not. These results suggest that moderate perturbations of the postural control system produce altered temporal structures of the main postural movement components, but do not necessarily change the coordinative structure of intersegment movements.
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19
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An Evidence-Based Objective Study Protocol for Evaluating Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Indices Following Concussion: The Neary Protocol. Methods Protoc 2019; 2:mps2010023. [PMID: 31164604 PMCID: PMC6481075 DOI: 10.3390/mps2010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The prevalence and incidence of sport-related concussion have continued to increase over the past decade, and researchers from various backgrounds strive for evidenced-based clinical assessment and management. When diagnosing and managing a concussion, a battery of tests from several domains (e.g., symptom reporting, neurocognitive, physiology) must be used. In this study, we propose and develop an objective, evidence-based protocol to assess the pathophysiology of the brain by using non-invasive methods. Methods: Contact sport athletes (n = 300) will be assessed at the beginning of the season in a healthy state to establish baseline values, and then prospectively followed if a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) occurs on approximately days 1–2, 3–5, 7–10, 21, 30, and subsequently thereafter, depending on the severity of injury. The protocol includes spontaneous measurements at rest, during head postural change, controlled breathing maneuvers for cerebrovascular reactivity, a neurovascular coupling stimuli, and a baroreflex/autoregulation maneuver. Physiological data collection will include cerebral blood flow velocity, cerebral oxygenation, respiratory gases for end-tidal oxygen and carbon dioxide, finger photoplethysmography for blood pressure, seismocardiography for cardiac mechanics, and electrocardiography. Conclusion, Limitations, and Ethics: The protocol will provide an objective, physiological evidence-based approach in an attempt to better diagnose concussion to aid in return-to-play or -learn. Ethics approval has been granted by the University Research Ethics Board.
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20
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Dierijck JK, Wright AD, Smirl JD, Bryk K, van Donkelaar P. Sub-concussive trauma, acute concussion, and history of multiple concussions: Effects on quiet stance postural control stability. Int J Psychophysiol 2018. [PMID: 29526776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Although balance control has been studied extensively following acute concussion, little is known regarding repetitive sub-concussive head impacts or chronic exposure to multiple concussive events. Quiet stance postural control was characterized in contact sport athletes at pre-season (n = 135) and post-season (n = 48) to evaluate the effects of subconcussive trauma to the head. To determine the impact of acute concussion on postural control, athletes diagnosed with a concussion during the season (n = 12) were tested at 72-h, 2-weeks, and 1-month post-injury. Because only 4 of the concussed athletes completed baseline testing, control athletes (n = 12) matched for sport, age, body mass index (BMI), and previous concussion history served as a comparison group. Finally, the effects of previous concussion history on quiet stance postural control were determined by comparing pre-season data in contact sport athletes with either zero (Hx0, n = 50) or three or more (Hx3+, n = 25) previous concussions. A force plate was used to compare changes in centre-of-pressure root-mean-square displacement (RMSdisp) and mean-velocity (COPvel) in the anterior/posterior (AP) and medial/lateral (ML) directions. One-minute trials were performed with feet hip-width apart, hands-on-hips, and A) eyes-open and B) eyes-closed. Biomechanical head-impact exposure (impacts over 10 g) was indexed over the season using mastoid-fixed impact sensors. In acutely injured athletes, repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant effect of time for RMSdisp AP with increased displacement at 2 weeks compared to 72 h (p = 0.008, 95% CI: -0.180, -0.310 cm). No other COP variables were affected by acute concussion. Moreover, there was no effect of concussion history or repeated sub-concussive impacts on any quiet stance metric. Additionally, head-impact exposure metrics were not correlated with COP metrics. Taken together, the data suggests alterations in COP sway during quiet stance persist in the acute 2-week period after injury. These findings were not present with either a history of multiple concussions or exposure to sub-concussive head impacts indicating acute concussion does not have appear to have long term effects for these measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Dierijck
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - A D Wright
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; MD/PhD Program, University of British Columbia, 2894 Detwiller Pavilion, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; Southern Medical Program, Reichwald Health Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia Okanagan, 1088 Discovery Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - J D Smirl
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - K Bryk
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - P van Donkelaar
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
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21
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Kellar D, Newman S, Pestilli F, Cheng H, Port NL. Comparing fMRI activation during smooth pursuit eye movements among contact sport athletes, non-contact sport athletes, and non-athletes. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2018. [PMID: 29541575 PMCID: PMC5849867 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Though sub-concussive impacts are common during contact sports, there is little consensus whether repeat blows affect brain function. Using a "lifetime exposure" rather than acute exposure approach, we examined oculomotor performance and brain activation among collegiate football players and two control groups. Our analysis examined whether there are group differences in eye movement behavioral performance and in brain activation during smooth pursuit. Methods Data from 21 off-season Division I football "starters" were compared with a) 19 collegiate cross-country runners, and b) 11 non-athlete college students who were SES matched to the football player group (total N = 51). Visual smooth pursuit was performed while undergoing fMRI imaging via a 3 Tesla scanner. Smooth pursuit eye movements to three stimulus difficulty levels were measured with regard to RMS error, gain, and lag. Results No meaningful differences were found for any of the standard analyses used to assess smooth pursuit eye movements. For fMRI, greater activation was seen in the oculomotor region of the cerebellar vermis and areas of the FEF for football players as compared to either control group, who did not differ on any measure. Conclusion Greater cerebellar activity among football players while performing an oculomotor task could indicate that they are working harder to compensate for some subtle, long-term subconcussive deficits. Alternatively, top athletes in a sport requiring high visual motor skill could have more of their cerebellum and FEF devoted to oculomotor task performance regardless of subconcussive history. Overall, these results provide little firm support for an effect of accumulated subconcussion exposure on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Kellar
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Sharlene Newman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Franco Pestilli
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Hu Cheng
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Nicholas L Port
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, United States.
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22
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Wu LC, Kuo C, Loza J, Kurt M, Laksari K, Yanez LZ, Senif D, Anderson SC, Miller LE, Urban JE, Stitzel JD, Camarillo DB. Detection of American Football Head Impacts Using Biomechanical Features and Support Vector Machine Classification. Sci Rep 2017; 8:855. [PMID: 29321637 PMCID: PMC5762632 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17864-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of head impacts may contribute to acute and long-term brain trauma. Wearable sensors can measure impact exposure, yet current sensors do not have validated impact detection methods for accurate exposure monitoring. Here we demonstrate a head impact detection method that can be implemented on a wearable sensor for detecting field football head impacts. Our method incorporates a support vector machine classifier that uses biomechanical features from the time domain and frequency domain, as well as model predictions of head-neck motions. The classifier was trained and validated using instrumented mouthguard data from collegiate football games and practices, with ground truth data labels established from video review. We found that low frequency power spectral density and wavelet transform features (10~30 Hz) were the best performing features. From forward feature selection, fewer than ten features optimized classifier performance, achieving 87.2% sensitivity and 93.2% precision in cross-validation on the collegiate dataset (n = 387), and over 90% sensitivity and precision on an independent youth dataset (n = 32). Accurate head impact detection is essential for studying and monitoring head impact exposure on the field, and the approach in the current paper may help to improve impact detection performance on wearable sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mehmet Kurt
- Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, USA
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23
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Di Virgilio TG, Hunter A, Wilson L, Stewart W, Goodall S, Howatson G, Donaldson DI, Ietswaart M. Evidence for Acute Electrophysiological and Cognitive Changes Following Routine Soccer Heading. EBioMedicine 2016; 13:66-71. [PMID: 27789273 PMCID: PMC5264439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is growing concern around the effects of concussion and sub-concussive impacts in sport. Routine game-play in soccer involves intentional and repeated head impacts through ball heading. Although heading is frequently cited as a risk to brain health, little data exist regarding the consequences of this activity. This study aims to assess the immediate outcomes of routine football heading using direct and sensitive measures of brain function. Methods Nineteen amateur football players (5 females; age 22 ± 3 y) headed machine-projected soccer balls at standardized speeds, modelling routine soccer practice. The primary outcome measure of corticomotor inhibition measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation, was assessed prior to heading and repeated immediately, 24 h, 48 h and 2 weeks post-heading. Secondary outcome measures were cortical excitability, postural control, and cognitive function. Results Immediately following heading an increase in corticomotor inhibition was detected; further to these electrophysiological alterations, measurable reduction memory function were also found. These acute changes appear transient, with values normalizing 24 h post-heading. Discussion Sub-concussive head impacts routine in soccer heading are associated with immediate, measurable electrophysiological and cognitive impairments. Although these changes in brain function were transient, these effects may signal direct consequences of routine soccer heading on (long-term) brain health which requires further study. Standard soccer heading results in immediate and measurable alterations in brain function. Changes in short and long term memory function and corticomotor inhibition are detectable immediately after soccer heading. These changes in brain function after just a single session of heading appear transient. These data provide direct evidence of immediate brain functional impairment associated with soccer heading.
Questions have been raised over whether soccer heading might have an effect on a player's brain, with particular worry over the proposed link between brain injury and increased risk of dementia. However, until now there have been no studies of the immediate effects of heading in soccer directly on brain function. This study found that just a single session of heading practice resulted in temporary impairment of short and long term memory function and in electrophysiological function of the brain. Whether these effects remain temporary after repeated soccer heading exposure and their long-term consequences on brain health must now be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Di Virgilio
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK
| | - Angus Hunter
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK
| | | | - William Stewart
- Department of Neuropathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow and Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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24
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Catenaccio E, Caccese J, Wakschlag N, Fleysher R, Kim N, Kim M, Buckley TA, Stewart WF, Lipton RB, Kaminski T, Lipton ML. Validation and calibration of HeadCount, a self-report measure for quantifying heading exposure in soccer players. Res Sports Med 2016; 24:416-425. [PMID: 27788599 DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2016.1234472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The long-term effects of repetitive head impacts due to heading are an area of increasing concern, and exposure must be accurately measured; however, the validity of self-report of cumulative soccer heading is not known. In order to validate HeadCount, a 2-week recall questionnaire, the number of player-reported headers was compared to the number of headers observed by trained raters for a men's and a women's collegiate soccer teams during an entire season of competitive play using Spearman's correlations and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and calibrated using a generalized estimating equation. The average Spearman's rho was 0.85 for men and 0.79 for women. The average ICC was 0.75 in men and 0.38 in women. The calibration analysis demonstrated that men tend to report heading accurately while women tend to overestimate. HeadCount is a valid instrument for tracking heading behaviour, but may have to be calibrated in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Catenaccio
- a Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - J Caccese
- b Biomechanics and Movement Science Interdisciplinary Program , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | - N Wakschlag
- a Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - R Fleysher
- a Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,c Department of Radiology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - N Kim
- a Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,c Department of Radiology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - M Kim
- d Department of Epidemiology and Population Health , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - T A Buckley
- e Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | | | - R B Lipton
- a Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,d Department of Epidemiology and Population Health , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,g Department of Neurology , Montefiore Medical Center , New York , NY , USA.,h Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - T Kaminski
- e Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | - M L Lipton
- a Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,c Department of Radiology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,h Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA.,i Department of Radiology , Montefiore Medical Center , New York , NY , USA.,j Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , New York , NY , USA
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Hwang S, Ma L, Kawata K, Tierney R, Jeka JJ. Vestibular Dysfunction after Subconcussive Head Impact. J Neurotrauma 2016; 34:8-15. [PMID: 26885560 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current thinking views mild head impact (i.e., subconcussion) as an underrecognized phenomenon that has the ability to cause significant current and future detrimental neurological effects. Repeated mild impacts to the head, however, often display no observable behavioral deficits based on standard clinical tests, which may lack sensitivity. The current study investigates the effects of subconcussive impacts from soccer heading with innovative measures of vestibular function and walking stability in a pre- 0-2 h, post- 24 h post-heading repeated measures design. The heading group (n = 10) executed 10 headers with soccer balls projected at a velocity of 25 mph (11.2 m/sec) over 10 min. Subjects were evaluated 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after soccer heading with: the modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS); a walking stability task with visual feedback of trunk movement; and galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) while standing with eyes closed on foam. A control group (n = 10) followed the same protocol with no heading. The results showed significant decrease in trunk angle, leg angle gain, and center of mass gain relative to GVS for the heading group compared with controls. Medial-lateral trunk orientation displacement and velocity during treadmill walking increased immediately after mild head impact for the heading group compared with controls. Controls showed an improvement in mBESS scores over time, indicating a learning effect, which was not observed with the heading group. These results suggest that mild head impact leads to a transient dysfunction in vestibular processing, which deters walking stability during task performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjae Hwang
- Department of Kinesiology, Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Kinesiology, Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ryan Tierney
- Department of Kinesiology, Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - John J Jeka
- Department of Kinesiology, Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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26
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Rodrigues AC, Lasmar RP, Caramelli P. Effects of Soccer Heading on Brain Structure and Function. Front Neurol 2016; 7:38. [PMID: 27047444 PMCID: PMC4800441 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with more than 265 million players worldwide, including professional and amateur ones. Soccer is unique in comparison to other sports, as it is the only sport in which participants purposely use their head to hit the ball. Heading is considered as an offensive or defensive move whereby the player's unprotected head is used to deliberately impact the ball and direct it during play. A soccer player can be subjected to an average of 6-12 incidents of heading the ball per competitive game, where the ball reaches high velocities. Moreover, in practice sessions, heading training, which involves heading the ball repeatedly at low velocities, is common. Although the scientific community, as well as the media, has focused on the effects of concussions in contact sports, the role of subconcussive impacts, as it can occur during heading, has recently gained attention, considering that it may represent an additional mechanism of cumulative brain injury. The purpose of this study is to review the existing literature regarding the effects of soccer heading on brain structure and function. Only in the last years, some investigations have addressed the impact of heading on brain structure, by using neuroimaging techniques. Similarly, there have been some recent studies investigating biochemical markers of brain injury in soccer players. There is evidence of association between heading and abnormal brain structure, but the data are still preliminary. Also, some studies have suggested that subconcussive head impacts, as heading, could cause cognitive impairment, whereas others have not corroborated this finding. Questions persist as to whether or not heading is deleterious to cognitive functioning. Further studies, especially with longitudinal designs, are needed to clarify the clinical significance of heading as a cause of brain injury and to identify risk factors. Such investigations might contribute to the establishment of safety guidelines that could help to minimize the risk of possible adverse effects of soccer on brain structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Rodrigues
- Pró-Reitoria de Graduação, Reitoria da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Pace Lasmar
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paulo Caramelli
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Dorminy M, Hoogeveen A, Tierney RT, Higgins M, McDevitt JK, Kretzschmar J. Effect of soccer heading ball speed on S100B, sideline concussion assessments and head impact kinematics. Brain Inj 2015; 29:1158-1164. [DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2015.1035324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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