Balance and neuropsychological performance following an acute bout of soccer heading
| Author(s) | Gilliam, Mary | |
| Date Accessioned | 2010-08-05T18:04:56Z | |
| Date Available | 2010-08-05T18:04:56Z | |
| Publication Date | 2009 | |
| Abstract | Context: Evidence illustrates a cumulative effect of multiple concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries. Research on the effect of an acute bout of soccer heading on brain function is not conclusive. Objective: To identify the effect of an acute bout of soccer heading on neuropsychological function and balance in athletes with a history of multiple concussions. Participants: Twenty-four NCAA Division I and III, and intramural athletes with a minimum of 4 years of competitive soccer experience composing 4 groups: subjects with a self-reported history of 1-2 concussions (EXP1), subjects with a self-reported history of 3 or more concussions (EXP2), and subjects with a self-reported history of 0 concussions randomly assigned to a control group (CON) and experimental group (EXP0). Intervention(s): During baseline testing, participants completed the ImPACT test, the Balance Error Score System (BESS), and the concussion symptom checklist (CSC). During session two, subjects repeated the baseline testing, and then completed 20 purposeful headers in 20 minutes. Immediately, participants repeated the ImPACT test, BESS test, and the CSC. Main Outcome Measure(s): Neuropsychological function as measured by the (ImPACT), balance deficiencies (BESS test), and self-reported symptom score (CSC). Results: On BESS test 1 (dual stance, firm surface) EXP2 had significantly (p=.046) greater errors post-heading than the other groups. For BESS test 2 (single leg stance, firm surface) EXP1 and EXP2 had significantly (p=.008) elevated scores both pre- and post-heading. On BESS test 3 (tandem stance, firm surface), test 4 (dual stance, foam surface), test 5 (single-leg stance, foam surface), and test 6 (tandem stance, foam surface) EXP2 had significantly (p=.001) more errors both pre- and post-heading than the other groups. No significant results were found on ImPACT scores. All groups had significantly (p=.025) higher CSC post-heading scores. Conclusions: This study found no significance between pre- and post-heading in any groups on the BESS test, ImPACT test, and the CSC. The EXP2 group performed worse overall on the more challenging BESS tests, but their scores did not significantly worsen as was hypothesized. Further research with a larger sample size may yield better results. | en |
| Advisor | Kaminski, Thomas W. | |
| Degree | M.S. | |
| Department | University of Delaware, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences | |
| URL | http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/5477 | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | en |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Soccer injuries | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Brain -- Concussion | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Equilibrium (Physiology) | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Neuropsychological tests | |
| Title | Balance and neuropsychological performance following an acute bout of soccer heading | en |
| Type | Thesis | en |