Head and neck size and neck strength predict linear and rotational acceleration during purposeful soccer heading

2017 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaclyn B. Caccese ◽  
Thomas A. Buckley ◽  
Ryan T. Tierney ◽  
Kristy B. Arbogast ◽  
William C. Rose ◽  
...  
2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. A66.1-A66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaclyn B Caccese ◽  
Thomas A Buckley ◽  
Ryan T Tierney ◽  
William C Rose ◽  
Kristy B Arbogast ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary D.W. Dezman ◽  
Eric H. Ledet ◽  
Hamish A. Kerr

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-175
Author(s):  
James R. Funk ◽  
Richard A. Watson ◽  
Joseph M. Cormier ◽  
Herb Guzman ◽  
Enrique Bonugli

Previous studies on neck muscle strength and motion have assumed or imposed varying constraints on the heads and bodies of the subjects. In this study, we asked 20 subjects to vigorously shake their heads 5−10 times in a completely unconstrained manner. The kinematics and kinetics of the head and neck were measured from video analysis and instrumentation mounted inside the mouth. Subjects shook their heads at self-selected tempos ranging from 1.9−4.7 Hz over a 20−91° range of motion. The motion of each subject’s head could be approximated by a fixed center of rotation that was typically located in the midcervical spine, but varied widely among subjects. Significant differences between men and women were observed. Peak head accelerations were low (4.3 ± 1.1 g and 250 ± 103 rad/s2 for men, 3.0 ± 0.9 g and 182 ± 58 rad/s2 for women) and estimated peak generated neck moments at C7/T1 were comparable to values reported in isometric neck strength studies (47 ± 14 N·m in extension and 22 ± 9 N·m in flexion for men, 25 ± 8 N·m in extension and 9 ± 7 N·m in flexion for women).


2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110447
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Attwood ◽  
Lewis-Jon W. Hudd ◽  
Simon P. Roberts ◽  
Gareth Irwin ◽  
Keith A. Stokes

Background: Greater neck strength is associated with fewer head and neck injuries. Neck-strengthening programs are commonly burdensome, requiring specialist equipment or significant time commitment, which are barriers to implementation. Hypothesis: Completing a neck-strengthening program will increase isometric neck strength in age-group rugby players. Study Design: A pilot randomized controlled exercise intervention study. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: Twenty-eight U18 (under 18) male regional age-group rugby union players were randomized (intervention n =15/control n = 13). An 8-week exercise program was supervised during preseason at the regional training center. Control players continued their “normal practice,” which did not include neck-specific strengthening exercises. The 3-times weekly trainer-led intervention program involved a series of 15-second self-resisted contractions, where players pushed maximally against their own head, in forward, backward, left, and right directions. Outcome Measure: Peak isometric neck strength (force N) into neck flexion, extension, and left and right side flexion was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Results: Postintervention between-group mean differences (MDs) in isometric neck strength change were adjusted for baseline strength and favored the intervention for total neck strength (effect size [ES] = 1.2, MD ± 95% CI = 155.9 ± 101.9 N, P = 0.004) and for neck strength into extension (ES = 1.0, MD ± 95% CI = 59.9 ± 45.4 N, P = 0.01), left side flexion (ES = 0.7, MD ± 95% CI = 27.5 ± 26.9 N, P = 0.05), and right side flexion (ES = 1.3, MD ± 95% CI = 50.5 ± 34.4 N, P = 0.006). Conclusion: This resource-efficient neck-strengthening program has few barriers to implementation and provides a clear benefit in U18 players’ neck strength. While the present study focused on adolescent rugby players, the program may be appropriate across all sports where head and neck injuries are of concern and resources are limited. Clinical Relevance: Greater neck strength is associated with fewer head and neck injuries, including concussion. Performing this neck exercise program independently, or as part of a whole-body program like Activate, an interactive guide for players and coaches, could contribute to lower sports-related head and neck injuries.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (11) ◽  
pp. 1844-1856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita N. Vasavada ◽  
Ellis Hughes ◽  
Derek D. Nevins ◽  
Steven M. Monda ◽  
David C. Lin

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Enora Le Flao ◽  
Andrew W. Pichardo ◽  
Sherwin Ganpatt ◽  
Dustin J. Oranchuk

Context: Neck size and strength may be associated with head kinematics and concussion risks. However, there is a paucity of research examining neck strengthening and head kinematics in youths. In addition, neck training is likely lacking in youth sport due to a perceived inadequacy of equipment or time. Objective: Examine neck training effects with minimal equipment on neck strength and head kinematics following chest perturbations in youth athletes. Design: Single-group, pretest–posttest case series. Setting: Athlete training center. Participants: Twenty-five (14 men and 11 women) youth soccer athletes (9.8 [1.5] y). Intervention: Sixteen weeks of twice-weekly neck-focused resistance training utilizing bands, body weight, and manual resistance. Main Outcome Measures: Head kinematics (angular range of motion, peak anterior–posterior linear acceleration, and peak resultant linear acceleration) were measured by an inertial motion unit fixed to the apex of the head during torso perturbations. Neck-flexion and extension strength were assessed using weights placed on the forehead and a plate-loaded neck harness, respectively. Neck length and circumference were measured via measuring tape. Results: Neck extension (increase in median values for all: +4.5 kg, +100%, P < .001; females: +4.5 kg, +100%, P = .002; males: +2.2 kg, +36%, P = .003) and flexion (all: +3.6 kg, +114%, P < .001; females: +3.6 kg, +114%, P = .004; males: +3.6 kg, +114%, P = .001) strength increased following the intervention. Men and women both experienced reduced perturbation-induced head pitch (all: −84%, P < .001). However, peak resultant linear acceleration decreased in the female (−53%, P = .004), but not male (−31%, P = 1.0) subgroup. Preintervention peak resultant linear acceleration and extension strength (R2 = .21, P = .033) were the closest-to-significance associations between head kinematics and strength. Conclusions: Young athletes can improve neck strength and reduce perturbation-induced head kinematics following a 16-week neck strengthening program. However, further research is needed to determine the effect of improved strength and head stabilization on concussion injury rates.


2008 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita N. Vasavada ◽  
Jonathan Danaraj ◽  
Gunter P. Siegmund

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail C. Bretzin ◽  
Jamie L. Mansell ◽  
Ryan T. Tierney ◽  
Jane K. McDevitt

Background: Soccer players head the ball repetitively throughout their careers; this is also a potential mechanism for a concussion. Although not all soccer headers result in a concussion, these subconcussive impacts may impart acceleration, deceleration, and rotational forces on the brain, leaving structural and functional deficits. Stronger neck musculature may reduce head-neck segment kinematics. Hypothesis: The relationship between anthropometrics and soccer heading kinematics will not differ between sexes. The relationship between anthropometrics and soccer heading kinematics will not differ between ball speeds. Study Design: Pilot, cross-sectional design. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Division I soccer athletes (5 male, 8 female) were assessed for head-neck anthropometric and neck strength measurements in 6 directions (ie, flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexions and rotations). Participants headed the ball 10 times (25 or 40 mph) while wearing an accelerometer secured to their head. Kinematic measurements (ie, linear acceleration and rotational velocity) were recorded at 2 ball speeds. Results: Sex differences were observed in neck girth ( t = 5.09, P < 0.001), flexor and left lateral flexor strength ( t = 3.006, P = 0.012 and t = 4.182, P = 0.002, respectively), and rotational velocity at both speeds ( t = −2.628, P = 0.024 and t = −2.227, P = 0.048). Neck girth had negative correlations with both linear acceleration ( r = −0.599, P = 0.031) and rotational velocity at both speeds ( r = −0.551, P = 0.012 and r = −0.652, P = 0.016). Also, stronger muscle groups had lower linear accelerations at both speeds ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between anthropometrics and soccer heading kinematics for sex and ball speeds. Clinical Relevance: Neck girth and neck strength are factors that may limit head impact kinematics.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document