Physiological Effects of Soccer Heading (NCT04810130) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Physiological Effects of Soccer Heading
United States27 participantsStarted 2020-12-15
Plain-language summary
There is growing concern for the resulting neurological and physiological outcomes from repeated head impacts in sports that do not manifest into traditional concussion symptoms. Specifically, there is evidence of immediate physiological deficits following controlled soccer heading. This study will compare the physiological changes of adolescents completing a set of soccer headers to those randomized to a set of soccer kicks to evaluate the effect of repetitive head impacts.
Who can participate
Age range
13 Years – 18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Males or females ages 13 to 18.
* Actively participating on a competitive soccer team.
* At least 1 year of soccer heading experience.
* Parental/guardian permission (informed consent) and child assent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Subject sustained a concussion or spinal injury within the past 6 months or still has active symptoms from a previous injury.
* Inability to exercise because of lower-extremity orthopedic injury or significant vestibular or visual dysfunction.
* Currently taking medications that can affect autonomic function.
* Plays exclusively the goalkeeper position and does not regularly head the ball.
* Parental/guardian permission (informed consent) not obtainable or not provided.
* Parents/guardians or subjects who, in the opinion of the Investigator, may be non-compliant with study schedules or procedures.
* Subject has fixed orthodontia on upper teeth.
* Cannot understand English.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This study looked at the physiological effects of repeatedly heading a soccer ball — could you explain what a 'Clinical Concussion Exam' measures and whether the changes they were tracking in this study are the same kinds of changes you'd want to monitor in me or my child?
2Since this trial has already been completed, would you be able to help me find or interpret the published results to understand what they actually found about how heading a soccer ball affects the brain in the short term?
3This study focused on 'repeated head impacts' specifically from soccer heading — based on what's known from research like this, what guidance would you give about how much heading is considered safe, especially for a young player?
4Given that this was a physiological study rather than a treatment trial, how should findings like these influence decisions about whether to continue playing soccer, especially if someone has already had a concussion or is considered at higher risk?
5Are there any ongoing studies or updated guidelines that build on research like this one, which I should be aware of when thinking about head impact risks in contact or ball sports?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Clinical Concussion Exam immediately post intervention
Timeframe: Pre-intervention to 0 hours post intervention