Evaluating a 14-week neck strengthening protocol for neuromuscular indicators associated with head and neck trauma

Abstract

Increased neck strength has been linked to a potential decrease in traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The purpose was to determine the efficacy of a neck-strengthening protocol using a novel neck-strengthening device to increase isometric neck strength and rate of force development (RFD). Utilizing self-generated centripetal force, participants trained for 14 weeks. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the relationship between post-assessment measurements and pre-assessments measurements, while accounting for repeated measure random effect at the individual level, and a regular random error term. RFD values were 4.344 times higher in the clockwise direction and 5.978 times higher in the counterclockwise direction when comparing pre and post assessment measurements. Isometric neck strength increased significantly (p ​< ​0.05) in the cervical extension (p ​= ​0.010) and left lateral flexion (p ​= ​0.009) directions. The results can be used in strength training and clinical settings to potentially reduce the incidence of TBI.

Keywords

Concussion / Isometric neck strength / Rate of force development / Neck strength assessment tool

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The authors thank the numerous research assistants who volunteered throughout this study.