Consensus on the descriptors, definitions, and reporting methods for heading in football studies: A Delphi study.

ABSTRACT: Heading in football (soccer) is a complex skill involving deliberate head-to-ball contact, which may pose short-, medium-, and long-term risk to player brain health. However, understanding header exposure during matches and training sessions, as well as comparing header incidence between studies is currently challenging given the lack of standardisation in descriptors, definitions, and reporting methods. This Delphi study aimed to establish a consensus on the descriptors, definitions, and reporting methods for heading in football research to improve consistency and quality. The study involved 167 participants from diverse football-related backgrounds including coaches, players, medical personnel, and researchers, with consensus achieved to include 27 descriptors in minimum reporting criter

SUBMITTER: Peek K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12270182 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature