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. 2025 Apr 24;55(7):1677–1741. doi: 10.1007/s40279-025-02209-2
A range of intrinsic and extrinsic variables affect head acceleration during a purposeful header.
Ball properties and ball speed along with the type of ball delivery all affect head acceleration.
While neck strength may influence head acceleration, traditional neck strengthening exercises do not.
Incorporating neuromuscular neck exercises appears to reduce head acceleration during a header.