ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to prospectively examine the acute effects of heading in soccer on cognitive function.DesignThis was a prospective cross-over study using a brief neuropsychological battery to assess cognitive function. The tests were performed before and after two separate practice sessions, with athletes serving as their own controls.SettingMale and female Division I college athletes.ParticipantsMembers of the men's and women's varsity collegiate Penn State University soccer teams. Forty-four males and 56 females entered and finished the study. All athletes had a normal physical examination.InterventionsBefore and after both practice sessions, all athletes had a brief battery of neuropsychological tests and a symptom checklist.Main Outcome MeasuresNeuropsychological tests symptom checklist compared at baseline with those after the practice sessions.ResultsThere were no significant differences in pretest scores between groups and no difference on posttest scores between heading and nonheading groups. A significant difference was detected using MANOVA (p = < 0.001) between pre-and posttest scores for measures of attention and concentration, indicating a practice effect. A gender-specific effect in one test measuring attention and concentration was found. There was no difference in symptoms before and after heading as compared with exertional controls.ConclusionsIn this study, soccer players heading the ball does not appear to lead to acute changes in cognitive function as assessed by a brief neuropsychological battery. There are practice effects that occur with repetitive neuropsychological testing and gender differences with certain tests.