Prevention of sports-related concussion in soccer: a comprehensive review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Concussion is a common complaint among adult and adolescent athletes around the world and poses a safety risk in competitive, recreational, and noncontact sports. It is estimated that concussions occur at a rate of 0.5 per 1000 playing hours; however, the precision of this estimate is uncertain due to variations in the interpretation and reporting of concussions. Athletes with a history of concussions are more likely to sustain additional concussions, which can result in cognitive decline, depression, and early degenerative change. In order to lessen the likelihood of future difficulties, this study compiles the research on preventing sports-related concussion in soccer and presents a summary of the findings. Material and Methods: We performed a literature search on PubMed, EBSCO (Elton B. Stephens Company), DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals), and Cochrane for the past 20 years. The search strategy was using Boolean terms based on any of the search terms of sports-related-concussion, soccer, and prevention. The studies were included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: This research identified three systematic reviews, seven literature reviews, five cross-sectional studies, one randomized controlled trial, three prospective studies, and one retrospective study. As concussion prevention measures in soccer, several strategies can be implemented, including concussion education, rule/regulation changes, proper heading technique, behavioral skills training, vision training to improve sensory and anticipation, the use of supplements to prevent severe concussion and accelerate recovery, as well as prevention in youth sports and head impact detection. Conclusion: Good education, good technique, good training, and a good strengthening program can be implemented to prevent concussions in soccer. To determine the relationship between prevention and concussion, however, additional research is required.

Mapping the youth soccer: A bibliometrix analysis using R-tool

“…Concussion risk has been a hot topic in soccer, with several retired players falling ill from the effects of head impacts in recent years, 68 which has sparked public concern. Research hotspots in the field of youth soccer regarding concussion include prevention and identification strategies, 69 clinical management and rehabilitation, 70 long-term consequences and monitoring, 71 education and awareness, 72 and policy development. 73 …”

Concussions in Soccer

“…Beyond the personal protective equipment and rule changes, there have been cross-sectional systematic reviews on the efficacy of strengthening exercises and stretches to minimize or prevent risk of head injury that are discussed in a meta-analysis study done on preventive strategies of SRC. 16 The preventive abilities of various protective equipment, such as headgear or mouthguards, have had controversial outcomes when looking at literature collected by Indharty et al 16 When it comes to headgear, the consensus is that it may reduce the impact of collisions. 16 However, if a concussion band without padded protection is used, there is the same risk of concussion with incidental contact from head injury.…”

“…16 The preventive abilities of various protective equipment, such as headgear or mouthguards, have had controversial outcomes when looking at literature collected by Indharty et al 16 When it comes to headgear, the consensus is that it may reduce the impact of collisions. 16 However, if a concussion band without padded protection is used, there is the same risk of concussion with incidental contact from head injury. Similarly contradicting data was found for the efficacy of mouthguards in mitigating the risk of concussion in soccer.…”

“…At the collegiate and professional level, the air pressure of the balls used in games is carefully regulated to prevent injury from overinflated balls and when balls become waterlogged, they are swapped out to prevent an increased weight of the ball when heading it. Beyond the personal protective equipment and rule changes, there have been cross-sectional systematic reviews on the efficacy of strengthening exercises and stretches to minimize or prevent risk of head injury that are discussed in a meta-analysis study done on preventive strategies of SRC 16 …”