This has been a thread I've thought about starting for a while. In particular, I'd like to draw attention and discussion to the idea (argument) over whether or not heading the ball repeatedly as a child, teen, and adult can cause long-term cognitive difficulties.
First off, my opinion is that, in general, it does not. That said, and all joking aside, I do believe that there are some "softer" heads that may be predisposed to slight concussions over long term play. For example, I'm sure we all seen many long and high punts with a hard and heavy ball that look like a bitch for some poor bastard on the back line who has to take it on the ol' melon. For the most part, I'm certain that this fine, but for some kids . . . perhaps not.
During recent years I've heard of many studies from across North America and Europe that have come on one side of the issue or the other. Some scientists suggest no problems; some suggest using headgear as protection. As result, it seems the issue is without a definitive answer. I'm curious to hear other TTP'ers opinions -- particularly those with (young) children.
In the mean time I suggest looking at the following sites. The first has a survey of recent articles on the issue of soccer head injuries, while the second is a commercial site that sells a "shin guard for your head".
--> http://users.erols.com/wsyacy/headinjury.html
--> http://www.headblast.com/
Note: I've started this thread a place for serious discussion on sports med topics. Please refrain from inane banter and insults. Feel free to disagree with others, but do not ridicule the opinion or the person within this thread. If you've got nothing constructive to contribute, then post elsewhere. Garbage posts will be deleted without warning so use good judgement -- right, Reg's?
First off, my opinion is that, in general, it does not. That said, and all joking aside, I do believe that there are some "softer" heads that may be predisposed to slight concussions over long term play. For example, I'm sure we all seen many long and high punts with a hard and heavy ball that look like a bitch for some poor bastard on the back line who has to take it on the ol' melon. For the most part, I'm certain that this fine, but for some kids . . . perhaps not.
During recent years I've heard of many studies from across North America and Europe that have come on one side of the issue or the other. Some scientists suggest no problems; some suggest using headgear as protection. As result, it seems the issue is without a definitive answer. I'm curious to hear other TTP'ers opinions -- particularly those with (young) children.
In the mean time I suggest looking at the following sites. The first has a survey of recent articles on the issue of soccer head injuries, while the second is a commercial site that sells a "shin guard for your head".
--> http://users.erols.com/wsyacy/headinjury.html
--> http://www.headblast.com/
Note: I've started this thread a place for serious discussion on sports med topics. Please refrain from inane banter and insults. Feel free to disagree with others, but do not ridicule the opinion or the person within this thread. If you've got nothing constructive to contribute, then post elsewhere. Garbage posts will be deleted without warning so use good judgement -- right, Reg's?