Prevalence of Concussions and Chronic Headaches in Female Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses concussion rates and current headaches in female soccer versus non-contact sport athletes who have progressed to higher levels of competition in college. METHODS: Soccer and non-contact sport female athletes from four universities completed questionnaires on concussion history and current headaches. RESULTS: Soccer athletes had a significantly higher rate of concussions compared to non-contact athletes (50% versus 9%, p<0.0001), but there was not a significant difference in current headaches between the two groups (20% soccer; 32% non-contact). Among soccer athletes, 56% of goalkeepers, defenders, and forwards collectively reported a concussion, while only 23% of midfielders reported a concussion (p=0.03). Rates of reported headaches were significantly higher in soccer athletes with <15 years of experience (38% versus 11%, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: Collegiate female soccer athletes had a higher rate of concussions versus non-contact-sport athletes, but no difference in rate of current headaches existed. Soccer athletes with <15 years of experience reported higher rates of headaches.