Effect Of Training Session On Postural Control, Self-reported Concussion Symptoms In Adolescent Female Soccer Athletes

Abstract

PURPOSE: Given the rising emphasis on reducing concussions in sport, it is important to understand the effects of repetitive head impacts on youth athletes and to use this information to optimize the clinical management of concussions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a soccer training session with headers on postural control performance and concussion-like symptoms of healthy adolescent female soccer athletes. METHODS: Eighteen female soccer athletes (15±0.725 yrs) from an elite soccer club engaged in a 90-minute soccer training session with headers. Prior to and following the training session, participants completed double-limb postural control assessments with eyes open and closed, as well as a symptom questionnaire (SCAT5). An inertial measurement unit was worn behind the ear which collected tri-axial accelerations during assessments. Mean sway velocity and sway velocity root-mean-square (RMS) were calculated for each condition. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to determine if visual condition (eyes open, eyes closed) and time of testing (pre-, post-training) influenced postural control performance. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were performed to determine differences between pre- and post-training symptomology scores. Alpha level was set a priori at P<0.05. RESULTS: A time main effect on sway velocity was observed where participants exhibited faster sway post-training compared to pre-training (mean difference=0.069 cm/s; p=0.004). A vision main effect on RMS was observed where participants exhibited larger RMS with eyes open compared to eyes closed (mean difference=0.038 cm/s; p=0.015). No difference in total symptom scores were observed (Z = -1.729, p=0.084). CONCLUSIONS: Soccer training with heading influenced postural control performance of elite adolescent female club soccer athletes, but did not influence overall symptom scores. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating postural control outcomes into clinical assessments to comprehensively evaluate performance. With heightened public concern regarding concussion and the safety of contact sports, it is imperative to assess for potential postural control deficits following training with heading in neurodevelopmentally vulnerable populations such as female adolescents.