The modulatory role of cannabis use in subconcussive neural injury.

Cannabis use has become popular among athletes, many of whom are exposed to repetitive subconcussive head impacts. We aimed to test whether chronic cannabis use would be neuroprotective or exacerbating against acute subconcussive head impacts. This trial included 43 adult soccer players (Cannabis group using cannabis at least once a week for the past 6 months, n = 24; non-cannabis control group, n = 19).

Does acute soccer heading cause an increase in plasma S100B? A randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of subconcussive head impacts on acute changes in plasma S100B. In this randomized controlled trial, 79 healthy adult soccer players were randomly assigned to either the heading (n = 41) or kicking-control groups (n = 38). The heading group executed 10 headers with soccer balls projected at a speed of 25 mph, whereas the kicking-control group performed 10 kicks.

Acute Time-Course Changes in CCL11, CCL2, and IL-10 Levels After Controlled Subconcussive Head Impacts: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To examine changes in plasma levels of CCL11, CCL2, and IL-10 after 10 controlled soccer headers.

Setting: Laboratory setting.

Participants: Thirty-nine healthy soccer players with at least 3 years of soccer heading experience, between 18 and 26 years old, and enrolled at a large public university.