Study by researchers at the University of Stirling, Scotland show that heading a ball can cause significant changes in the performance and function of the brain.
The researchers in making this discovery tested 19 players by making them head a ball shot from a machine 20 times. The result revealed that the performance and function of the brain reduced by between 41% and 67%. In addition, ‘increased inhibition in brain function was detected after just a single session of heading.’
Neuroscientist Dr Magdalena Ietswaart, of the University of Stirling quoted by the dailystar.co.uk, said: “We found there was increased inhibition in the brain immediately after heading the ball and that performance on memory tests was reduced significantly.
“Although the changes were temporary, we believe they are significant to brain health, particularly if they happen over and over again.”
Dr Ietswaart added: “With large numbers participating in this sport, it is important they are aware of what is happening inside the brain and the lasting effect it may have.”
Football players are more susceptible because heading the ball is an important part of the game. There have been several calls from scientists for football governing bodies to take this problem seriously.
