Association of field position and career length with risk of neurodegenerative disease in male former professional soccer players.

Russell ER, Mackay DF, Stewart K, MacLean JA, Pell JP, StewartW. Association of field position and career length with risk of neurodegenerative disease in male former professional soccer players. JAMANeurol. Published online August 2, 2021. August 2. doi: 10.1001 / jamaneurol.2021.2403

Commentary

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between field position, length of professional career, and era of play and risk of neurodegenerative disease in male former professional soccer players.

Adopting a cohort study and using linked Scottish population-based health records, 7676 former professional soccer players born between January 1, 1900 and January 1, 1977 and followed up by date of birth, gender, and local socioeconomic status were provided.

As a result, 30704 individuals were included, and 386 (5.0%) of the 7676 former soccer players and 366 (1.6%) of the 23028 matched population control individuals were identified with a diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease.

Compared to the general risk, the risk of neurodegenerative disease was highest in defenders and lowest in goalkeepers. In terms of career length, the risk was highest among former soccer players with a career of 15 years or more, and the risk was comparable for all players born between 1910 and 1969.

The results provide no evidence that differences in risk for neurodegenerative diseases vary over time, as they are more often associated with non-goalkeeper positions.