Clinical Report: No Short-Term Brain Changes in Youth Soccer
Overview
A prospective longitudinal cohort study found no significant differences in cognition, behavior, balance, or brain structure and function between male adolescent soccer players and noncontact-sport athletes over a competitive season. Preseason levels of certain blood-based biomarkers were higher in soccer players, but these were not linked to heading exposure.
Background
Youth soccer is the most widely played sport globally, raising concerns about the potential impact of repetitive head impacts on brain health. Previous studies have been limited by small sample sizes and cross-sectional designs, necessitating further investigation into the short-term effects of soccer participation on the developing brain.
Data Highlights
| Measure | Soccer Players | Noncontact Athletes |
|---|---|---|
| Headers reported | 939 | N/A |
| Preseason tNAA levels | Higher | Lower |
| Preseason GFAP levels | Higher | Lower |
| Preseason NfL levels | Higher | Lower |
Key Findings
- No significant differences in cognition, behavior, balance, or brain structure/function between soccer players and controls over the season.
- Soccer players reported a mean of 939 headers during the season.
- Preseason biomarkers tNAA, GFAP, and NfL were higher in soccer players compared to controls.
- Heading exposure was not associated with changes in any measured outcomes.
- Findings do not address long-term effects of repetitive head impacts.
Clinical Implications
Physicians can use these findings to inform discussions with adolescent soccer players and their families regarding the short-term effects of participation.
Conclusion
The study found that participation in youth soccer over a single season does not lead to measurable short-term changes in brain health.
Related Resources & Content
- Koerte IK, JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- No Short-Term Brain Changes in Youth Soccer
- Brain — Brain health concerns in former rugby players: clinical and cognitive phenotypes
- Pediatric Cardiology — Evaluation of Cardiac Structure and Function Changes in School-Aged Boys Following Soccer Training Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Brain — Biomarker evidence of neurodegeneration in mid-life former rugby players
- Safety Guidelines for Pediatric Mild TBI | Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion | CDC
- Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport–Amsterdam, October 2022 | British Journal of Sports Medicine
- Youth Soccer Participation and Brain Health Outcomes in Adolescent Athletes | Traumatic Brain Injury | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
- Effects of repetitive head impacts from a single season on the cognitive functioning of youth male soccer players | PLOS One
- Responding to a Sports-related Concussion | HEADS UP | CDC
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