Heading Danger
Need I say more?
You have all held a soccer ball and know how hard it is. Can you imagine the danger to the brain with the ball deflated almost in half on that impact.
Need I say more?
You have all held a soccer ball and know how hard it is. Can you imagine the danger to the brain with the ball deflated almost in half on that impact.
|
|
Even though the above picture is enough evidence to convince anyone not to head a soccer ball, optometry is on the ball, literally! We have known for decades that heading in soccer is dangerous and join Dr Bennet Omalu of the movie Concussion fame, in saying don't do it! |
|
Every heading of a soccer ball is a concussion about to happen, and even if not a concussion, four things happen to the vision system on impact: 1. side vision is reduced and blind spots enlarge. 2. Near vision focusing power is reduced 3. Binocular vision is compromised. 4. Vision processing difficulty emerges.
Yes, we have the ability to detect the damage with a basic vision examination, side vision testing, binocular vision testing, and vision processing testing. |
|
|
|
Then more importantly we can treat. The main treatment is Light therapy (Syntonics) and lens therapy. Take a look at Blake's story in Testimonies. In more complicated cases we can add binocular vision vision therapy and vision processing therapy.
|
Click on the below link for a study on heading: Prevalence of Oculomotor Dysfunction in Healthy Athletes Preseason:
Implications for Concussion in Sport by Shaylea D. Badovinac, BSc Department of Psychology, York University Its conclusion was: A significant proportion of healthy athletes displayed abnormal performance across a variety of oculomotor indices. A history of lifetime concussion (i.e., greater than 12 months prior to study) did not significantly influence oculomotor test performance. Clinicians should be aware of such differences and potential implications associated with post concussion evaluations.
Implications for Concussion in Sport by Shaylea D. Badovinac, BSc Department of Psychology, York University Its conclusion was: A significant proportion of healthy athletes displayed abnormal performance across a variety of oculomotor indices. A history of lifetime concussion (i.e., greater than 12 months prior to study) did not significantly influence oculomotor test performance. Clinicians should be aware of such differences and potential implications associated with post concussion evaluations.
| heading_in_soccer.pdf |
Heading in Soccer: How Dangerous Is It?
Medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP — Written by Kirsten Nunez on February 13, 2020 healthline
*About heading *Potential dangers *Risk factors *Minimizing risk *U.S. Soccer laws Concussion protocol *Seeking help
In this article, I added my departure from the views of the author. I feel the risk is more serious than this article reports. They appear in red.
Takeaway As the most popular sport in the world, soccer is played by people of all ages. The sport is enjoyed by 265 million players Trusted Source, including both professional and amateur athletes. While soccer players are known for their skilled footwork, they also use their head. This technique, called heading, is when a player intentionally hits the ball with their head. Heading is an important soccer maneuver. However, there’s been a growing concern about its safety and potential link to brain damage.
Medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP — Written by Kirsten Nunez on February 13, 2020 healthline
*About heading *Potential dangers *Risk factors *Minimizing risk *U.S. Soccer laws Concussion protocol *Seeking help
In this article, I added my departure from the views of the author. I feel the risk is more serious than this article reports. They appear in red.
Takeaway As the most popular sport in the world, soccer is played by people of all ages. The sport is enjoyed by 265 million players Trusted Source, including both professional and amateur athletes. While soccer players are known for their skilled footwork, they also use their head. This technique, called heading, is when a player intentionally hits the ball with their head. Heading is an important soccer maneuver. However, there’s been a growing concern about its safety and potential link to brain damage.
In this article, we’ll discuss the possible dangers of heading in soccer, along with tips for preventing brain injury.
During practice, it’s common for soccer players to gently head a ball repeatedly. But in a competitive setting, they usually head the ball with more impact.
On average, a player might head the ball 6 to 12 times Trusted Source during one game. Bill's opinion: One heading is enough to cause significant damage to the vision field.
What are the potential dangers of heading? Heading is considered to be an essential soccer skill. But the impact of heading presents a risk of head and brain injury. Some injuries are severe enough to cause problems immediately or after a few seasons. However, it’s also possible to slowly develop symptoms after repeated smaller injuries.
These injuries can happen due to ball-to-head contact. They may also happen during accidental head-to-head contact, when two players head for the same ball. Possible injuries include:
Concussions. Approximately 22 percentTrusted Source of all injuries are concussions. After a concussion, you might stay awake or lose consciousness. Other possible symptoms include: headache difficulty focusing memory loss confusion blurry vision(rare) dizziness balance problems nausea sensitivity to light or noise
Subconcussive injuriesA subconcussive injury also happens when a person’s head is hit with a strong force. But unlike a concussion, it isn’t severe enough to cause obvious symptoms. The injury still causes some brain damage though. Over time, repeated subconcussive injuries can accumulate and result in more serious damage. (Why do you need more damage than that caused by one blow?) This type of repetitive head trauma is associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The risk of CTE is higher when someone experiences both subconcussive brain injuries and concussions over many years.
During practice, it’s common for soccer players to gently head a ball repeatedly. But in a competitive setting, they usually head the ball with more impact.
On average, a player might head the ball 6 to 12 times Trusted Source during one game. Bill's opinion: One heading is enough to cause significant damage to the vision field.
What are the potential dangers of heading? Heading is considered to be an essential soccer skill. But the impact of heading presents a risk of head and brain injury. Some injuries are severe enough to cause problems immediately or after a few seasons. However, it’s also possible to slowly develop symptoms after repeated smaller injuries.
These injuries can happen due to ball-to-head contact. They may also happen during accidental head-to-head contact, when two players head for the same ball. Possible injuries include:
Concussions. Approximately 22 percentTrusted Source of all injuries are concussions. After a concussion, you might stay awake or lose consciousness. Other possible symptoms include: headache difficulty focusing memory loss confusion blurry vision(rare) dizziness balance problems nausea sensitivity to light or noise
Subconcussive injuriesA subconcussive injury also happens when a person’s head is hit with a strong force. But unlike a concussion, it isn’t severe enough to cause obvious symptoms. The injury still causes some brain damage though. Over time, repeated subconcussive injuries can accumulate and result in more serious damage. (Why do you need more damage than that caused by one blow?) This type of repetitive head trauma is associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The risk of CTE is higher when someone experiences both subconcussive brain injuries and concussions over many years.
CTE isn’t yet fully understood. Many factors, like genes and diet, may affect how head trauma leads to CTE.
The symptoms are also different for each person. Possible early signs include: poor self-control impulsive behavior memory issues impaired attention trouble planning and doing tasks (executive dysfunction) In addition to soccer, CTE has been seen in athletes who play other contact sports like wrestling, football, and ice hockey. More specific research is needed to understand how soccer is linked to CTE.
Who’s at most risk?Generally, younger soccer players are most likely to get brain injuries from heading.
That’s because they haven’t fully mastered the technique. As they learn how to head, they’ll usually use incorrect body movements. This increases the risk of brain injury. Additionally, their brains are still maturing. Their necks are also typically weaker compared with the necks of older players. Due to these factors, younger players more vulnerable to the dangers of heading. Bill's opinion: Not one of the below is helpful and will increase the danger"
Are there ways to minimize the dangers? While it’s not always possible to fully avoid brain injuries in soccer, there are ways to reduce the risk:
Practice proper technique. Learning the right technique from the start can protect your head. This includes stabilizing your neck and torso in a way that decreases harmful impact.
Wear headgear. Headgear, like helmets, also minimizes impact. Helmets are lined with padding that reduces shock to your skull.
Follow the rules. During a game, be a good sport and follow the rules. This decreases your chances of accidentally hurting yourself or another player.
Use proper coaching. Coaches can teach athletes to gain better control of their movements. Talk to the coach if you’re concerned about brain injuries.
New U.S. Soccer laws about heading In 2016, the United States Soccer Federation, commonly referred to as U.S. Soccer, issued a mandate for heading in youth soccer. It prohibits players 10 years and younger from heading soccer balls. This means coaches aren’t allowed to teach them heading techniques. For children 11 to 13 years old, heading practice is limited to 30 minutes each week. The player can’t head a ball more than 15 to 20 times a week. The purpose of this law is to raise awareness about head injuries and protect younger players. It went into effect January 2016.
Concussion protocol If you think you have a concussion, it’s important to follow a certain protocol. This includes a series of steps that help manage concussion recovery, such as the following:
When to see a doctor Since some symptoms of brain injuries aren’t obvious at first, always pay attention to your body.
Visit a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after heading in soccer: Really! These aren't obvious! repeated omiting unconsciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds worsening headache lasting confusion seizures persistent dizziness vision changes Key takeaways Heading in soccer can increase your risk of concussions. Over time, repeated subconcussive injuries can also accumulate and cause brain damage.
But with proper technique and protective head gear, it’s possible to reduce your risk. Just like in football when a player uses the helmet, he is more likely to put the head in danger, and the padding does not stop injury to the vision system or brain.
You can also stay prepared by learning the concussion protocol. If you suspect you have a head injury, visit a doctor immediately
The symptoms are also different for each person. Possible early signs include: poor self-control impulsive behavior memory issues impaired attention trouble planning and doing tasks (executive dysfunction) In addition to soccer, CTE has been seen in athletes who play other contact sports like wrestling, football, and ice hockey. More specific research is needed to understand how soccer is linked to CTE.
Who’s at most risk?Generally, younger soccer players are most likely to get brain injuries from heading.
That’s because they haven’t fully mastered the technique. As they learn how to head, they’ll usually use incorrect body movements. This increases the risk of brain injury. Additionally, their brains are still maturing. Their necks are also typically weaker compared with the necks of older players. Due to these factors, younger players more vulnerable to the dangers of heading. Bill's opinion: Not one of the below is helpful and will increase the danger"
Are there ways to minimize the dangers? While it’s not always possible to fully avoid brain injuries in soccer, there are ways to reduce the risk:
Practice proper technique. Learning the right technique from the start can protect your head. This includes stabilizing your neck and torso in a way that decreases harmful impact.
Wear headgear. Headgear, like helmets, also minimizes impact. Helmets are lined with padding that reduces shock to your skull.
Follow the rules. During a game, be a good sport and follow the rules. This decreases your chances of accidentally hurting yourself or another player.
Use proper coaching. Coaches can teach athletes to gain better control of their movements. Talk to the coach if you’re concerned about brain injuries.
New U.S. Soccer laws about heading In 2016, the United States Soccer Federation, commonly referred to as U.S. Soccer, issued a mandate for heading in youth soccer. It prohibits players 10 years and younger from heading soccer balls. This means coaches aren’t allowed to teach them heading techniques. For children 11 to 13 years old, heading practice is limited to 30 minutes each week. The player can’t head a ball more than 15 to 20 times a week. The purpose of this law is to raise awareness about head injuries and protect younger players. It went into effect January 2016.
Concussion protocol If you think you have a concussion, it’s important to follow a certain protocol. This includes a series of steps that help manage concussion recovery, such as the following:
- Stop the activity and rest immediately. Avoid physical and mental exertion. Get examined by the team’s healthcare provider, if possible.
- See a doctor for an evaluation, even if you don’t have immediate symptoms. Some symptoms can take hours or days to show up.
- Rest for at least 1 to 2 days. Take time off from sports, school, or work. Stay away from areas that overstimulate the brain, like crowded malls. Similarly, avoid reading, texting, or other activities that worsen symptoms.
- If you’re in school, wait to return to class until your doctor says it’s fine to do so.
- Return to play when your doctor says it’s OK. Practice light aerobic exercises like walking or swimming for 15 minutes.
- If you don’t have symptoms during light exercise, begin sport-specific activity.
- Start noncontact sport drills if you don’t have symptoms during sport-specific activity.
- Begin full-contact practice. If you don’t have symptoms, you can return to competition.
- (added by dr. Henshaw) Get to a developmental Optometrist even if you only headed a soccer ball one time. You probably have damage to your vision field.
When to see a doctor Since some symptoms of brain injuries aren’t obvious at first, always pay attention to your body.
Visit a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after heading in soccer: Really! These aren't obvious! repeated omiting unconsciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds worsening headache lasting confusion seizures persistent dizziness vision changes Key takeaways Heading in soccer can increase your risk of concussions. Over time, repeated subconcussive injuries can also accumulate and cause brain damage.
But with proper technique and protective head gear, it’s possible to reduce your risk. Just like in football when a player uses the helmet, he is more likely to put the head in danger, and the padding does not stop injury to the vision system or brain.
You can also stay prepared by learning the concussion protocol. If you suspect you have a head injury, visit a doctor immediately
Heading in soccer may adversely affect eye function
The results add to existing knowledge of brain injuries associated with sports, especially those with frequent potential trauma to the head, researchers say. By Brian P. Dunleavy
A new study suggests that repetitive, mild heading in soccer can increase risk for future brain disorders.
A new study suggests that repetitive, mild heading in soccer can increase risk for future brain disorders. Photo by Keith Johnston/Pixaby
Feb. 13 (UPI) -- "Heading" the ball is a fundamental part of soccer, but concerns over safety have changed the way the game is played at the youth level in many countries, including the United States.
Now, a study published Thursday in JAMA Ophthalmology adds to mounting evidence that "headers" can cause significant brain trauma, even in older players.
The findings suggest these injuries extend beyond concussions to include more "subtle" effects on cognitive and even eye function, researchers say. "If one sustains soccer headings repetitively in a short time frame, eye-brain connection may experience impairment," study co-author Keisuke Kawata, an assistant professor of kinesiology at Indiana University, told UPI. As many as 4 million American youths play soccer. In 2017, the U.S. Soccer Federation placed restrictions on heading the ball for players 11 years of age and younger, over safety concerns.
The act of heading in soccer has drawn significant attention in recent years, due in large part to recent research highlighting the risk for injury, particularly concussions. The long-term effects of concussions on athletes in several sports -- including ice hockey and American football -- has also been the subject of intense scrutiny, both in the media and the medical community.
The findings of Kawata and colleagues follow on the heels of a landmark study published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine, which documented the brain health of Scottish soccer players who suffered repeated concussions. In addition, a study published in JAMA in January linked declines in memory with repeated heading in soccer.
For the study, the Indiana University-based researchers compared the cognitive effects of heading a soccer ball in 40 adults with those of 38 controls, who only kicked the ball. A JUGS soccer machine was used to "pass" the ball to participants -- from a distance of approximately 40 feet -- at a speed of roughly 25 miles per hour. Participants in each group headed or kicked the ball 10 times.
The results add to existing knowledge of brain injuries associated with sports, especially those with frequent potential trauma to the head, researchers say. By Brian P. Dunleavy
A new study suggests that repetitive, mild heading in soccer can increase risk for future brain disorders.
A new study suggests that repetitive, mild heading in soccer can increase risk for future brain disorders. Photo by Keith Johnston/Pixaby
Feb. 13 (UPI) -- "Heading" the ball is a fundamental part of soccer, but concerns over safety have changed the way the game is played at the youth level in many countries, including the United States.
Now, a study published Thursday in JAMA Ophthalmology adds to mounting evidence that "headers" can cause significant brain trauma, even in older players.
The findings suggest these injuries extend beyond concussions to include more "subtle" effects on cognitive and even eye function, researchers say. "If one sustains soccer headings repetitively in a short time frame, eye-brain connection may experience impairment," study co-author Keisuke Kawata, an assistant professor of kinesiology at Indiana University, told UPI. As many as 4 million American youths play soccer. In 2017, the U.S. Soccer Federation placed restrictions on heading the ball for players 11 years of age and younger, over safety concerns.
The act of heading in soccer has drawn significant attention in recent years, due in large part to recent research highlighting the risk for injury, particularly concussions. The long-term effects of concussions on athletes in several sports -- including ice hockey and American football -- has also been the subject of intense scrutiny, both in the media and the medical community.
The findings of Kawata and colleagues follow on the heels of a landmark study published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine, which documented the brain health of Scottish soccer players who suffered repeated concussions. In addition, a study published in JAMA in January linked declines in memory with repeated heading in soccer.
For the study, the Indiana University-based researchers compared the cognitive effects of heading a soccer ball in 40 adults with those of 38 controls, who only kicked the ball. A JUGS soccer machine was used to "pass" the ball to participants -- from a distance of approximately 40 feet -- at a speed of roughly 25 miles per hour. Participants in each group headed or kicked the ball 10 times.
The authors recorded the head acceleration -- as a measure of stress on the head -- of the participants in each group, and noted that the head acceleration was nearly 10 times greater among the "headers" as compared with the kickers. All participants were evaluated immediately after heading or kicking, two hours later and 24 hours later using the King-Devick test, which assesses for eye movement disorders.
The authors found that the participants in the kicking-only group performed better on the test at all three assessments than those in the heading-only group, suggesting that head trauma sustained by the headers may adversely affect eye function.
"This study does fill an important knowledge gap in terms of acute soccer heading effects," Kawata said. "I think there is sufficient evidence to suggest that even mild heading, repetitively for long-term, can increase risks for later-onset of brain disorders."
The authors found that the participants in the kicking-only group performed better on the test at all three assessments than those in the heading-only group, suggesting that head trauma sustained by the headers may adversely affect eye function.
"This study does fill an important knowledge gap in terms of acute soccer heading effects," Kawata said. "I think there is sufficient evidence to suggest that even mild heading, repetitively for long-term, can increase risks for later-onset of brain disorders."