Cumulative mild head injuries in football (soccer) :|ba comparison of cognitive defict and post-concussive symptomology between University of Pretoria (Ama Tucks) football players and University of Limpopo volleyball controls in South Africa

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Cumulative Mild Head Injury (CMHI) or concussion and Post-Concussive symptomatology of football players. For this purpose, a non-equivalent quasi experimental design of fifteen (15) professional football players and non-contact control group of fifteen (15) university volleyball players were assessed on 4 reaction time tasks and Post-Concussion Symptom questionnaire. The main findings of the study showed no significant difference on cognitive changes among football players and the control group. However, the two sample t-test, ANOVA and ANCOVA analysis in respect of both football players and the volleyball control group, provided significant results of a probability of CMHI or concussion on the CALCAP’s Sequential 1 Reaction Time Test. The study makes important theoretical and practical contributions to the understanding of Post-Concussion syndrome. The study suggests that some of the Post-Concussion symptoms persist after an initial concussion