Neurology Even a few headballs can cause significant damage to the brain
Headballs in football can trigger significant changes in brain function. Researchers have now discovered that soccer players' headballs can cause negative head and brain effects.
Researchers at the University of Stirling found in their study that footballers have significant brain function changes after head balls. The cause for this seems to be the effects of headbash shock. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "EbioMedicine".
Many people in Germany and the rest of the world like to play football. Physicians now warn of the dangers to the brain, which can arise through head balls. (Image: Brocreative / fotolia.com)Physicians examine changes in the brain of footballers
For the first time, the new study analyzes the direct changes that headballs can make compared to the effects of brain injury and concussion. The study was based on concerns that the brains of football players are damaged by the repeated headballs, the researchers say.
Early onset dementia due to headballs in football?
In 2002, English football professional and striker Jeff Astle died. He suffered from early onset dementia and was only 59 years old at the time of his death. Some physicians believed that the disease was caused by the impact of soccer balls.
Physicians examine brain of dead footballer
A subsequent examination of Astle's brain revealed that the professional footballer suffered from a so-called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE can only be detected after death, say the scientists. The disease was also discovered by deceased American footballers, boxers and rugby players.
Study simulates headballs after corner joints
Researchers at the University of Stirling have now studied a group of 19 football players by letting the subjects perform 20 headbands during exercises. The ball was shot down by a machine. So the power and speed of a corner kick should be simulated, explain the authors. The scientists tested the brain functions and memory of the players. This happened before and immediately after the head exercises. Further tests were performed after 24 hours, 48 hours and two weeks, add the physicians.
Headballs worsen the memory
Increased inhibition of the brain has been noted after the subjects performed only a single headball exercise. The memory test performance was also reduced between 41 percent and 67 percent, the authors explain. The effects normalized again within 24 hours.
Further research is urgently needed
Whether the brain changes after repeated head balls lead to long-term consequences for the health of the brain, must be determined urgently in further investigations. The changes found were temporary, but they could be very important to the health of our brains, say the experts. Especially when such vibrations caused by head balls occur again and again. A large number of people around the world play football. Therefore, it is very important that the effects on the brain and the lasting negative consequences are examined more closely, add the physicians.
Results should lead to better protection in contact sports
For the first time, sports organizations and members of the public can see clear evidence of the risks associated with the effects of repeated headballs, the researchers explain. Hopefully, this finding can open up new approaches for the detection, monitoring and prevention of cumulative brain injuries in sport, the experts said. The health of football players and individuals in other contact sports needs to be better protected in the long term. (As)