Interval Effects for Concussion Prevention
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how different time intervals between head impacts affect brain health in soccer players. It compares short and long intervals between sessions of heading a soccer ball to determine which better prevents concussion-related issues. Ideal participants are current soccer players with at least five years of heading experience and no recent head injuries. As an unphased trial, this study provides participants the chance to contribute to important research that could enhance safety guidelines in soccer.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial team or your doctor.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that heading a soccer ball can be done safely with certain precautions. Using lightweight soccer balls reduces risks during practice, making it safer for players. One study found that limiting headers in youth soccer led to fewer concussions, dropping to just 6% over a few years.
Research has examined how heading affects learning and brain function over short periods. Some studies suggest there might be short-term effects, but these vary. Training and proper technique are important in reducing risks.
Overall, the safety of heading depends on factors like the type of ball and the frequency of heading. These studies suggest that with the right precautions, heading can be a safe activity.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores new ways to prevent concussions in soccer players by varying the timing of impacts. Unlike standard care, which often focuses on protective gear or rest after injury, this trial investigates whether changing the interval between heading sessions might reduce concussion risk. By comparing short and long intervals between soccer headings, researchers hope to uncover insights into how the timing of repeated impacts affects brain health. This could lead to new guidelines for safer sports practices, potentially benefiting athletes worldwide.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for concussion prevention?
This trial compares the effects of different intervals between soccer headings on brain health. Participants in the "Long Interval" group will perform headings with 72 hours between sessions, while those in the "Short Interval" group will have 24 hours between sessions. Studies have shown mixed results about the effects of heading a soccer ball on brain health. For the "Long Interval" group, one study found that heading the ball does not harm brain function, and another found fewer soccer-related concussions when headers were limited. However, for the "Short Interval" group, research shows worse brain performance with frequent heading. Both approaches aim to understand how the time between head impacts might affect the brain, with some evidence suggesting potential risks with short intervals. More research is needed to fully understand the effects.23678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Keisuke Kawata, PhD
Principal Investigator
Indiana University Bloomington Department of Kineseology
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for current soccer players with at least 5 years of experience in heading the ball. They must be able to consent without a representative. Those who've had recent head injuries or eye conditions like glaucoma that could affect study results can't participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo repetitive head impacts with varying intervals (24 hours or 72 hours) over 4 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in blood biomarkers, retinal and ocular-motor health, and EEG signals
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Long Interval
- Short Interval
Trial Overview
The study aims to understand how different time intervals between repetitive subconcussive head impacts influence brain health in military service members, using short and long intervals as variables.
How Is the Trial Designed?
4
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Participants in the heading group will undergo 16 soccer headings, twice per week, with 24 hours in between each session.
Participants in the heading group will undergo 16 soccer headings, twice per week, with 72 hours in between each session.
Participants in the kicking-control group will undergo 16 soccer kicking, twice per week, with 24 hours in between each session.
Participants in the kicking-control group will undergo 16 soccer kicking, twice per week, with 72 hours in between each session.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Indiana University
Lead Sponsor
United States Department of Defense
Collaborator
University of Rochester
Collaborator
University at Buffalo
Collaborator
Boston Children's Hospital
Collaborator
Citations
Youth Soccer Heading Exposure and Its Effects on Clinical ...
The results from the current study point to there being no detrimental relationship between heading exposure and neurocognitive functioning. This finding is ...
Individualized monitoring of longitudinal heading exposure ...
Here we conducted a comprehensive heading exposure analysis across all players on a university women's soccer team for over two calendar years.
Policy Restricting Headers in Youth Soccer Shows ...
The research team identified a 25.6 percent relative risk reduction in soccer-related concussions as a percentage of all soccer-related injuries ...
Soccer heading frequency predicts neuropsychological ...
This study investigated the presence of neuropsychological deficits associated with hitting the ball with one's head (heading) during soccer play.
5.
aaos-annualmeeting-presskit.org
aaos-annualmeeting-presskit.org/2025/research-news/header-restriction-policy-in-youth-soccer-shows-promising-impact-on-concussion-rates/Header Restriction Policy in Youth Soccer Shows Promising ...
The research team identified a 25.6% relative risk reduction in soccer-related concussions as a percentage of all soccer-related injuries ...
Quantitative Analysis of Ball-Head Impact Exposure in ...
The Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer program recommends using lightweight soccer balls for practicing heading so that players can train in a lower-risk setting; ...
Effects of repetitive head impacts from a single season on the ...
Repetitive head impact exposure by position was associated with significant decreases in absolute error (p < 0.001), increases in peak velocity (p < 0.001), and ...
CHOP Researchers Comprehensively Assess the Safety ...
This lab-based study simulated these limits conducting 10 repeated soccer headers within a single session with experienced teenage players.
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