New study reveals potential impact of concussions on female soccer players

Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source

professional women football player A new study led by global players union FIFPRO suggests people who have suffered three or more concussions may have shortened attention spans.

The study, part of the ongoing 10-year Drake Football Study, assessed neurocognitive function in 68 participants female playerhighlighting the potential impact on key on-field capabilities.

Players with at least three concussions performed “significantly worse” on tasks that required concentration than those with fewer or no previous head injuries.

These skills are crucial in soccer for tracking the ball and opponents, maintaining positional awareness, and reacting quickly in game situations.

The study also found that 43% of the players surveyed had experienced at least one concussion, with defenders having the highest rate at 50%.

FIFPRO Medical Director Vincent Gouttebarge noted: “Generally speaking, research shows that female football players do not show widespread cognitive problems during their careers, but repeated concussions may have a meaningful impact on concentration.”

Study shows three or more concussions may affect attention span (Action Pictures from Reuters)

He added that further research was needed to determine whether new health advice should be introduced.

While no widespread cognitive impairment was found during a player’s active career, the findings mirror a parallel analysis of male professional players in 2024 that also linked repeated concussions to declines in simple and complex attention.

ALSO READ UK and Norway to launch joint naval patrols to protect undersea cables and hunt Russian submarines

Mr Gutbach highlighted the importance of the study, saying: “Women’s football has historically been under-represented in sports concussion research, meaning this study provides valuable, female-specific evidence.”

Although widespread deficiencies are not present, the results highlight the critical need for rigorous concussion management and return-to-play protocols, particularly in the setting of repeated head injuries.

Launched in 2019 in conjunction with FIFPRO, the Drake Football Study continues to track the physical and mental health of 170 male and female football players around the world.