Research Reveals Heading Soccer Balls Alters Brain Function Without Concussion

Thu 19th Jun, 2025

Recent studies conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney have revealed that heading a soccer ball can lead to changes in brain function, even in the absence of concussion or noticeable symptoms. This groundbreaking research, published in the journal Sports Medicine--Open, emphasizes the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of heading on brain health, especially given the increasing concern about the risk of dementia among former professional soccer players.

The study is notable for being the first randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of heading on soccer players using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A team led by Professor Iain McGregor conducted brain assessments on 15 male soccer players after they headed a soccer ball 20 times within a span of 20 minutes. The experiments were conducted in a controlled environment using a machine to launch the balls at a consistent speed.

Utilizing advanced MRI technology at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), the researchers examined changes in brain structure, function, and chemistry. In addition to MRI scans, the study included blood tests and cognitive evaluations. A control group was also established, where participants kicked a ball instead of heading it, allowing the researchers to isolate the specific effects of heading on the brain.

The results showed subtle, yet significant, changes in the brain. MRI scans indicated alterations in the brain chemistry associated with motor control and a decrease in electrical conductivity in various areas of the brain. These modifications suggest that heading may influence the brain's energy utilization and the transmission of information through white matter.

Moreover, blood sample analyses revealed increased levels of two proteins, GFAP and NFL, which are recognized as potential biomarkers for brain injury and future dementia risk. However, the magnitude of these changes was considerably less than what is typically observed in more serious neurological conditions.

Importantly, the study did not find any immediate cognitive impairment following the heading activity. Dr. Nathan Delang, the lead researcher, noted that while the study does not establish a direct link between heading and dementia, the increased presence of these biomarkers indicates that heading can disrupt brain cells at a microstructural level. The broader clinical implications and the long-term significance of these minor changes require further exploration.

In light of these findings, some countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, are implementing restrictions on heading, particularly for younger players. While Australia has yet to introduce such regulations, discussions regarding the safety of heading in youth soccer are ongoing.

According to Dr. Danielle McCartney, a co-author of the study, the findings suggest that even routine, symptom-free heading can induce subtle brain changes. Future research will focus on determining whether these alterations accumulate over time and what implications they may have for the health of soccer players in the long run. In the interim, the researchers advocate for players to exercise caution and reconsider the necessity of extensive heading during training.

The research was conducted at the University of Sydney's Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, and Dr. Delang led the study while he was a Ph.D. candidate at Griffith University.


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