By Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D. Reviewed by Lauren Hardaker Jul 4 2025 A new study reveals that while routine heading in women’s football doesn’t affect balance, it subtly alters fine motor function, raising questions about the game's neurological toll. Study:  The effect of football (soccer) heading on gross and fine motor control in women . Image credit: Fotokostic/Shutterstock.com Women exposed to various header shots in a typical football match may not experience gross motor control impairment,