RecruitingInterventional

The effect of football heading on blood biomarkers of brain injury

This study is investigating how heading a football might affect your brain health. Researchers will check blood samples for tiny markers that could show changes in your brain cells after you head a football. We know that professional footballers sometimes have a higher risk of brain diseases like dementia later on, and this study aims to see if heading the ball plays a part in that, even in the short term. Healthy adults who regularly play football and head the ball can take part. You'll have two sessions: one where you head the ball and one without. We will take blood samples at different times to see any short-term effects. This research won't directly benefit you, but it will help us understand brain health in sport and make sports safer for everyone. The risks are very low.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Stirling

Enrolment target

Start

16 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Risk-factors for long-term neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated subconcussive head impact exposure

What is this study about?

This research wants to understand more about how heading a football affects your brain. We know that some professional footballers have a higher chance of developing brain conditions like dementia as they get older. Currently, we don't fully understand if regularly heading a football contributes to this risk. This study aims to shed some light on that by looking at very short-term changes.

Researchers will be looking for tiny substances in your blood called 'biomarkers'. These biomarkers are like little clues that can tell us if there's been any minor change to your brain cells. By checking these markers after you've headed the ball in a controlled way, we can see if heading causes any immediate, temporary changes in your brain chemistry.

Your participation is really important because the information we gather will help us create a clearer picture of how heading affects brain health. This knowledge can then be used to advise sports organisations and players on safer ways to play football, potentially helping to protect athletes' brains in the long run. We want to ensure that sport remains enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand how heading a football affects brain health.
Looks for tiny changes in blood related to brain activity.
Involves two sessions: one with heading, one without.
Requires healthy adult footballers who regularly head the ball.
Doesn't offer direct personal health benefits, but helps future player safety.
Risks are low, and safety is a top priority.

Who may be eligible?

We are looking for healthy adult volunteers who enjoy playing football regularly – at least once a week – and are used to heading the ball as part of their game. Both men and women are welcome to take part in this study.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you've recently had a head or neck injury (in the last six months), or if you have any existing neurological (brain or nerve) or psychiatric (mental health) conditions, you won't be able to participate. This is because these conditions could affect the study's results.

We also can't include people who are taking recreational drugs or certain prescribed medicines, or who have had more than a few alcoholic drinks in the 24 hours before testing. If you're a goalkeeper or a player who doesn't usually head the ball, you won't be eligible either, as we specifically need people experienced in heading.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you play football at least once a week?
Are you used to heading the ball as part of your game?
Have you had any head or neck injuries in the last 6 months?
Do you have any ongoing brain, nerve, or mental health conditions?
Are you currently taking any recreational drugs or specific prescribed medications?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll need to attend two separate sessions, spaced at least a week apart. In one session, you will perform a set number of football headers. In the other, you will not head the ball – this acts as a comparison.

During both sessions, we will take several small blood samples: one before, and then at 30 minutes, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 24 hours after the main activity (either heading or not heading). We will also check your eyesight and ask you about any symptoms you might have. The researchers will also use computer models to understand the forces on your head during heading. The total duration of your involvement will be over these two sessions, plus the 24-hour follow-up for blood samples after each.

Potential risks and benefits

You won't directly receive a medical benefit from taking part in this study. However, your contribution is incredibly valuable as it will help us learn more about how heading a football might affect brain health. This knowledge can lead to safer practices in football and improve player safety in the future. The risks of taking part are very low; only people who regularly head the ball will be included, and all procedures, like taking blood, will be done by trained professionals in a safe environment. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (2)

University of Stirling
Approximate
Stirling, Scotland
University of Edinburgh
Approximate
Edinburgh, Scotland

Common questions

What exactly are 'blood biomarkers'?

Blood biomarkers are tiny proteins or other substances in your blood that can act as indicators. In this study, they might signal very subtle changes in the brain after heading a football.

Will heading the ball hurt me during the study?

We only recruit individuals who are experienced in heading a football, and the heading sessions are controlled. The risks are considered very low, and your safety is closely monitored.

What happens to my blood samples?

Your blood samples will be tested for specific proteins linked to brain cell activity. They are handled and analysed by trained staff in a laboratory setting.

Who is running this study?

This study is being run by researchers from the University of Stirling, working together with the University of Edinburgh in the UK.

Will I find out my personal results?

The study focuses on group-level results to understand general effects. Individual results from blood tests won't be provided, as they are for research purposes and not diagnostic.

How to find out more

Magdalena Ietswaart

mi9@stir.ac.uk +44 (0)1786 473171 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.