The Acute Effects of Non-concussive Head Impacts on Brain Microstructure, Chemistry and Function in Male Soccer Players: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
This study identified chemical, microstructural and functional brain alterations in response to an acute non-concussive soccer heading task. These alterations appear to be subtle, with some only detected in specific regions, and no corresponding cognitive deficits observed. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that individuals should exercise caution when performing repeated non-concussive head impacts in sport. Trial registration ACTRN12621001355864. Date of registration: 7/10/2021. URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=382590&isReview=true .
Authors
- Aimie L. Peek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8943-7951)
- Elizabeth A. Cairns (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9816-4761)
- Luke A. Henderson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1026-0151)
- Shane Ball
- Rebecca V Robertson
- Paul J. Austin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5253-6876)
- Iain S. McGregor (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9307-7159)
- Michael E. Buckland (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4755-6471)
- Danielle McCartney (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7783-5220)
- Jun Cao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9943-8712)
- Nathan Delang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9925-278X)
- Christopher Irwin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1379-4271)
- Fernando A. Tinoco Mendoza
- Stuart J. McDonald (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5190-3179)
- William T. O’Brien (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9966-0134)
- Ben Desbrow (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3756-8866)
- Michael Green (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5544-4616)
- Caroline Rae (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0673-8084)
- Nicholas W. Jenneke
- Katherine Rae
Institutions
- Griffith University (AU)
- The University of Sydney (AU)
- New South Wales Department of Health (AU)
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (AU)
- The Alfred Hospital (AU)
- Sports Medicine Australia (AU)
- UNSW Sydney (AU)
- North Sydney Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre (AU)
- Monash University (AU)
- Queensland Academy of Sport (AU)
- Neuroscience Research Australia (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Sports Medicine - Open
- Published
- 2025-06-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-025-00867-0
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Traumatic Brain Injury Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 4.06
Funders
- Neuroscience Research Australia
- National Imaging Facility
- University of New South Wales
- Monash University
- Griffith University