An Accessible, 16-Week Neck Strength Training Program Improves Head Kinematics Following Chest Perturbation in Young Soccer Athletes.

Abstract

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. Examine neck training effects with minimal equipment on neck strength and head kinematics following chest perturbations in youth athletes. Single-group, pretest-posttest case series. Athlete training center. Twenty-five (14 men and 11 women) youth soccer athletes (9.8 [1.5]y). Sixteen weeks of twice-weekly neck-focused resistance training utilizing bands, body weight, and manual resistance. 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. Neck extension (increase in median values for all: +4.5kg, +100%, P < .001; females: +4.5kg, +100%, P = .002; males: +2.2kg, +36%, P = .003) and flexion (all: +3.6kg, +114%, P < .001; females: +3.6kg, +114%, P = .004; males: +3.6kg, +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. 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.