Brain Tissue Strain During Adolescent Soccer Heading Using the Cloud-Based Brain Simulation Research Platform Finite Element Head Model.

Abstract

The current study aimed to quantify the strain of the brain associated with soccer headers in adolescent athletes using a cloud-based finite element (FE) human head model. Eleven male and female participants aged 13-18 years completed 10 frontal or oblique soccer headers. Linear acceleration and angular velocity of the head were captured using the Prevent Biometrics boil-and-bite Impact Monitoring Mouthguard (IMM). Head kinematics time series were applied to the Brain Simulation Research Platform (BSRP) FE head model. Frontal headers resulted in significantly (p<0.001) higher mean peak linear acceleration (17.5±0.5 <i>g</i>) but significantly (p<0.001) lower mean peak angular acceleration (1142±45 rad/s²) than oblique headers (12.3±0.4 <i>g</i>, 1431±66 rad/s²). Frontal headers had similar peak MPS95 values compared to oblique headers (4.8±1.1% vs. 4.5±1.2%, p=0.128). Using equivalent loading conditions, frontal and oblique headers did not differ in peak MPS95 despite oblique headers having significantly higher angular kinematics, which is associated with brain tissue strains. Comparisons with previous results from a validated FE head model suggest that the BSRP FE head model has potential for simulating on-field head impact sensor data, especially considering the reduced computational time, but estimations of strain and model comparisons with more severe on-field sporting impacts are needed.