By Ken Reed
A first-of-its-kind study has revealed that headers and accidental head impacts in soccer result in changes in blood patterns, linked to brain signalling pathways and potential alterations. The study analyzed blood samples from 89 pro soccer players in a range of scenarios involving heading.
The results demonstrated “specific alterations” in the levels of the brain’s microRNAs, which are associated with brain alterations.
“This is a relatively small sample-size exploratory study,” says Stian Bahr Sandmo, of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Sandmo was the lead researcher on the study.
“But, future findings expanding upon our research could ultimately lead to an improved understanding of the potential hazardous effects of repetitive head impacts. With millions of people playing soccer worldwide this might ultimately have a substantial influence on public health.”
Previous studies have suggested certain microRNAs in the blood are altered in response to mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).
This latest study adds to prior research linking headers in soccer with brain injuries.
— Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans
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