New research shows concerning 'distinctive pressure waves' from heading footballs

Loughborough University researchers have published what they consider to be a seminal paper on the neurological impacts of heading in football.The key results of the study, funded by the FA and conducted independently, were the identification of “distinctive pressure waves” in the frontal brain region when the head meets the ball. The researchers say this was “previously unreported” and provides some explanation for the mechanics — and potential neurological consequences — of performing headers.Advertisement