Increased Risk of Children for Subtle Closed Head Injury From Soccer Heading

Controversy surrounds the risk of heading a soccer ball. The research objectives were to determine the statistical distributions of head accelerations during soccer heading for adult versus youth players, to compare results with known safe levels, and to suggest steps to reduce risk for children. Monte Carlo simulations of large numbers of head-ball impacts were done using equations of motion based upon Newton’s second law. Results were compared with presumed safe accelerations. Calculated head accelerations experienced by youth and adult players vary greatly, depending on ball speed, player weight, and other factors. Both mean and maximal accelerations experienced by youth players under realistic game conditions are greater than those experienced by adults. A lighter weight, lower pressure youth soccer ball can reduce impact intensity experienced by youth players to the safer levels experienced by adults. Pediatricians can be helpful advocates for reform in this arena.