Analyzing Magnitude and Frequency of Video Verified Head Impacts in Relation to Impact Location in Collegiate Soccer Athletes

Studying head impact location may provide insight on potential preventative efforts. Our objective was to determine magnitudes and frequencies of head impact locations in soccer athletes. 9 men’s (age=18.67±1.00 yr, height=183.57±5.39 cm, mass=80.32±13.50 kg) and 19 women’s (age=19.42±1.43 yr, height=166.17±5.24 cm, mass=64.15±7.23 kg) soccer athletes volunteered to participate. Impact location (back, front, side, top) was the independent variable. We compared linear (g) and rotational (deg/s2) accelerations from xPatch sensors across impact location for video verified head impacts in games and practices using Kruskal-Wallis tests. We calculated incidence rates (IRs) per 1000 athlete-exposures and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to determine frequency differences. The effect of location on linear (𝝌23=34.23, P<.001) and rotational (𝝌23=47.31, P<.001) acceleration were both significant. Participants were 2.33 times more likely to get hit on the side of the head (IR=113.83, Cl=93.55-134.11) than front of the head (IR=48.92, Cl=35.62-62.21; IRR=2.33, CI=1.68-3.22). Our results suggest a need for coaching emphasis, behavior modifications, and player education to reduce head impacts, especially to the side and front of the head.

Keywords:Head impact biomechanics; X2 Biosystems; xPatch; Futbol