Scientists find redesigned footballs reduce heading impact on brain
Scientists from Loughborough University have discovered that heading a football causes a previously unreported pressure wave to the brain, suggesting new ball designs could significantly reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
The Football Association-backed study found that energy transfer into the head can be up to 55 times greater depending on the specific ball used.
Researchers examined impacts at match speeds using an advanced surrogate head model and a variety of balls from the past century.
A specialist sensor detected a distinctive pressure wave transferring energy directly into the frontal region of the human brain for the first time.
Modern designs pose similar risks
The magnitude of this blunt force relies heavily on the specific construction, the velocity of the cross, and whether the material is wet or dry.
Crucially, the research revealed that heavy leather models used in previous decades did not consistently produce higher impact results than modern equivalents.
Professor Andy Harland, a sports technology expert at the East Midlands institution, noted that risk remains prevalent across all eras.
“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.”
Mounting pressure over player welfare
The sport is currently facing intense scrutiny regarding the undeniable relationship between aerial duels and long-term neurological illnesses.
Earlier this year, a senior coroner concluded that repeated heading was a likely contributing factor in the death of Gordon McQueen.
The former Leeds United and Manchester United defender passed away in 2023 at the age of 70 after suffering from vascular dementia.
He followed other high-profile cases like ex-England striker Jeff Astle, who is widely considered the first professional player whose death was directly linked to heading.
Paving the way for safer equipment
Dr Ieuan Phillips, lead researcher on the project, hopes these findings will inspire immediate changes to testing specifications.
“These findings provide opportunities to work towards ball designs and testing specifications that minimise energy transfer into the brain.”
He explained that while statistical observations already exist regarding retired professionals, this new discovery measures the exact physical collision in unprecedented detail.
The academic team believes this breakthrough finally gives governing bodies the tangible evidence needed to mandate vital changes to equipment manufacturing.
