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The Guardian World1 min read
Redesigned ball could reduce heading impact - scientists
TL;DR
Scientists have found that redesigned footballs could lessen the impact of heading, as new research reveals a pressure wave energy transfer to the brain. The study indicates that some footballs can cause up to 55 times greater impact than others.
Key points
- New research reveals pressure wave energy transfer to the brain from heading
- Impact varies based on football design and conditions
- Some footballs cause up to 55 times greater impact
- Study conducted by Loughborough University
- Pressure sensor used to measure energy transfer
Scientists believe footballs could be designed to reduce the impact of heading after new research discovered the action caused a previously unreported pressure wave energy transfer to the brain.
The Football Association-backed study by Loughborough University found this was up to 55 times greater in some footballs than others.
The research looked at impacts between a range of balls used over the past century and an advanced surrogate head model, at match speeds.
Using a specialist pressure sensor positioned within the model, they observed a distinctive pressure wave that transfers energy into the frontal region of the brain for the first time.
The amount was dependent on the design of ball, the speed it was travelling at, and whether it is dry or wet.
It also revealed that the leather balls used in previous decades did not necessarily produce higher results than newer models.
Image caption,
Scientists used a model head to test energy transfer through the head when struck by a football
"There are examples of balls that transfer high or low energy through all eras of play" said Andy Harland, professor of sports technology at Loughborough University.
"There is no trend that suggests the magnitude of energy transfer is increasing or decreasing over time.
"Our evidence suggests that high energy pressure wave transfer was not limited to leather balls, so, if this energy is associated with neurodegenerative disease, it is not a problem that has gone away with modern balls."
It comes with football under mounting pressure to take more action on brain injuries, and renewed scrutiny on the relationship between heading and neurodegenerative illnesses.
In January, a senior coroner declared that repeatedly heading footballs is "likely" to have contributed to the brain disease which was a factor in the death of former Leeds United and Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen.
McQueen, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia, died in 2023 aged 70.
Former England striker Jeff Astle, who died following years of neurological symptoms, is considered the
Q&A
How does heading a football impact the brain?
Heading a football can create a pressure wave that transfers energy to the brain, particularly affecting the frontal region.
What did the Loughborough University study find about football design?
The study found that the impact of heading varies significantly based on the football's design, speed, and whether the ball is dry or wet.
What is the significance of the pressure wave discovered in the study?
The pressure wave represents a previously unreported mechanism of energy transfer to the brain, which could have implications for player safety.
How much greater is the impact from some footballs compared to others?
The research indicates that the impact from certain footballs can be up to 55 times greater than others.
