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Original Article

Effect of soccer heading ball speed on S100B, sideline concussion assessments and head impact kinematics

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Pages 1158-1164 | Received 13 May 2014, Accepted 20 Mar 2015, Published online: 25 May 2015
 

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of soccer heading ball speed on S-100B serum concentration, concussion sideline assessments and linear head impact acceleration.

Methods: Sixteen division I soccer players participated in this pre-test post-test design study. Athletes performed five standing headers over a 10 minute period at 30 (n = 5), 40 (n = 5) or 50 (n = 6) miles per hour (mph) (randomized). S-100B serum concentration (ng mL−1) and sideline concussion assessments were measured prior to and post-heading. Peak resultant linear head acceleration (gravitational units; g) was measured during soccer heading.

Results: No statistically significant interaction effects were identified between ball velocity groups over time on S100B (effect sizes ranged from 0.03–0.23) or concussion assessments tests. There was a non-significant increase (p = 0.06) in head impact acceleration from the 30 (30.6; SD = 6.2 g) to 50 mph (50.7; SD = 7.7 g) ball speed.

Conclusions: In this controlled setting, an acute bout of soccer heading across various ball velocities did not affect S100B or concussion assessment test scores. These findings are preliminary, as the small sample size in each group may have played a role in the lack of significant findings.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. This research was funded in part with a grant from the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers' Association.

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