Effectiveness of a tailored neck training program on neck strength, movement, and fatigue in under-19 male rugby players: a randomized controlled pilot study

The purposes of this pilot study were to examine the effects of a 16-week supervised high-intensity combined endurance and resistance exercise training program on HIV-associated metabolic abnormalities (abdominal adiposity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance) and to explore methodological issues related to the design and implementation of the research protocol in preparation for a randomized controlled trial. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used, with outcomes measured at baseline and within 1 week after the conclusion of the training program. The exercise program consisted of 16 weeks (preceded by a 2-week phase-in period) of three endurance sessions (20 min at 70%-80% of VO 2max) and two resistance sessions per week (one set of 8-10 repetitions at 80% of one-repetition maximum on seven exercises). Outcome measures included lipid levels (total, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides), visceral and subcutaneous adipose area measured by electron beam tomography, fat and lean mass of trunk and limbs measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and insulin sensitivity measured by the homeostatic model assessment. Nine participants were recruited, 5 of whom completed the intervention and had pretest and posttest data available for analyses. Aerobic capacity and strength improved over the course of the intervention. Statistically significant decreases were found for total and trunk fat mass (1,324.9 g [± 733.6] and 992.8 g [± 733.6], respectively). Triglycerides decreased by 59 mg/dL (± 69.88), and insulin sensitivity decreased by 15.7% (± 41.7%), neither of which was a statistically significant change. Results suggest that further testing of the combined exercise intervention in a randomized controlled design is warranted.

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Pilot Study of a Peer-Led Wheelchair Training Program to Improve Self-Efficacy Using a Manual Wheelchair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1016/j.apmr.2015.08.425 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 97 (1) ◽

pp. 37-44 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Krista L. Best ◽

William C. Miller ◽

Grant Huston ◽

Francois Routhier ◽

Janice J. Eng

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Training Program ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Manual Wheelchair ◽

Randomized Controlled

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Eight Weeks of Self-Resisted Neck Strength Training Improves Neck Strength in Age-Grade Rugby Union Players: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Sports Health A Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

10.1177/19417381211044736 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 194173812110447

Author(s):

Matthew J. Attwood ◽

Lewis-Jon W. Hudd ◽

Simon P. Roberts ◽

Gareth Irwin ◽

Keith A. Stokes

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Rugby Union ◽

Age Group ◽

Neck Injuries ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Barriers To Implementation ◽

Left And Right ◽

Neck Strength ◽

Rugby Players

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.

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