Neuropsychological Impairment in Amateur Soccer Players

Abstract

Chronic traumatic brain injury (CTBI) is the cumulative long-term neurologic consequence of repetitive concussive and subconcussive blows to the head, and has been described primarily among professional boxers.^1-4 Evidence suggests that CTBI also may be associated with professional soccer.^5,6 Neuropsychological impairment and neurological abnormalities have been observed in retired amateur and active professional soccer players.^7-11 A survey of active soccer players reported that neurological symptoms correlated with reported history of acute head injury received during play.¹² To date, only 1 preliminary investigation evaluated neuropsychological functioning in nonprofessional high school soccer players.¹³ The current investigation was undertaken to determine if neuropsychological dysfunction occurs in amateur soccer players.