‘Heading football may cause brain damage’

US study reveals evidence of mental impairment caused by heading.

LONDON: Heading the ball may increase the risk of brain damage to football players, new research has indicated.

The US study revealed evidence of mental impairment caused by repeatedly heading the ball, with scientists saying the effects suggest ‘mild traumatic brain injury of the frontal lobes’.

However, they stressed more research was required to determine whether the changes were permanent or temporary.

The study featured a group of 12 teenage footballers and a matching group of non-players.

Both groups were given a computer screen response test designed to assess levels of mental alertness. In order to assess the impact of heading, those who played football were, prior to taking the test, involved in a practice session where they headed the ball a number of times. Results showed the footballers were significantly slower at the task than the non-players.

Researchers said the more hours spent playing football led to slower responses and this was a greater factor than merely the number of playing years.

Dr Anne Sereno, from the University of Texas, who was involved in the US study said: “These findings suggest that even subconcussive blows in football can result in mild traumatic brain injury of the frontal lobes.”

While competitors across many sports worry about the health effects of concussion, for administrators there is a looming financial cost, with players now more prepared than ever to take legal action in response to head injuries.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 1^st, 2013.