Dataset Information

Sex Differences in Anthropometrics and Heading Kinematics Among Division I Soccer Athletes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Soccer players head the ball repetitively throughout their careers; this is also a potential mechanism for a concussion. Although not all soccer headers result in a concussion, these subconcussive impacts may impart acceleration, deceleration, and rotational forces on the brain, leaving structural and functional deficits. Stronger neck musculature may reduce head-neck segment kinematics.

Hypothesis

The relationship between anthropometrics and soccer heading kinematics will not differ between sexes. The relationship between anthropometrics and soccer heading kinematics will not differ between ball speeds.

Study design

Pilot, cross-sectional design.

Level of evidence

Level 3.

Methods

Division I soccer athletes (5 male, 8 female) were assessed for head-neck anthropometric and neck strength measurements in 6 directions (ie, flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexions and rotations). Participants headed the ball 10 times (25 or 40 mph) while wearing an accelerometer secured to their head. Kinematic measurements (ie, linear acceleration and rotational velocity) were recorded at 2 ball speeds.

Results

Sex differences were observed in neck girth ( t = 5.09, P < 0.001), flexor and left lateral flexor strength ( t = 3.006, P = 0.012 and t = 4.182, P = 0.002, respectively), and rotational velocity at both speeds ( t = -2.628, P = 0.024 and t = -2.227, P = 0.048). Neck girth had negative correlations with both linear acceleration ( r = -0.599, P = 0.031) and rotational velocity at both speeds ( r = -0.551, P = 0.012 and r = -0.652, P = 0.016). Also, stronger muscle groups had lower linear accelerations at both speeds ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

There was a significant relationship between anthropometrics and soccer heading kinematics for sex and ball speeds.

Clinical relevance

Neck girth and neck strength are factors that may limit head impact kinematics.

SUBMITTER: Bretzin AC

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5349392 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar/Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Sex Differences in Anthropometrics and Heading Kinematics Among Division I Soccer Athletes.

Bretzin Abigail C AC Mansell Jamie L JL Tierney Ryan T RT McDevitt Jane K JK

Sports health 20161115 2

<h4>Background</h4>Soccer players head the ball repetitively throughout their careers; this is also a potential mechanism for a concussion. Although not all soccer headers result in a concussion, these subconcussive impacts may impart acceleration, deceleration, and rotational forces on the brain, leaving structural and functional deficits. Stronger neck musculature may reduce head-neck segment kinematics.<h4>Hypothesis</h4>The relationship between anthropometrics and soccer heading kinematics w ...[more]

PMID: 28225689

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Dataset Information

Sex Differences in Anthropometrics and Heading Kinematics Among Division I Soccer Athletes.

Background

Hypothesis

Study design

Level of evidence

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical relevance

Publications

Sex Differences in Anthropometrics and Heading Kinematics Among Division I Soccer Athletes.

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