Abstract
BackgroundHead and neck injury is relatively common in Rugby Union. Despite this, strength and range-of-motion characteristics of the cervical spine are poorly characterised. The aim of this study was to provide data on the strength and range-of-motion of the cervical spine of professional rugby players to guide clinical rehabilitation.MethodsA cohort study was performed evaluating 27 players from a single UK professional rugby club. Cervical isometric strength and range-of-motion were assessed in 3 planes of reference. Anthropometric data was collected and multivariate regression modelling performed with a view to predicting cervical isometric strength.ResultsLargest forces were generated in extension, with broadly equal isometric side flexion forces at around 90% of extension values. The forwards generated significantly more force than the backline in all parameters bar flexion. The forwards had substantially reduced cervical range-of-motion and larger body mass, with differences observed in height, weight, neck circumference and chest circumference (p < 0.002). Neck circumference was the sole predictor of isometric extension (adjusted R2 = 30.34).ConclusionRehabilitative training programs aim to restore individuals to pre-injury status. This work provides reference ranges for the strength and range of motion of the cervical spine of current elite level rugby players.
Highlights
Head and neck injury is relatively common in Rugby Union
Tackle based sports such as rugby exposes the cervical spine to potentially injurious forces, which are moderated by the musculoskeletal tissues [7]
Assessment of cervical range of motion and isometric muscle strength was performed at a Welsh professional rugby union club on a single occasion
Summary
Head and neck injury is relatively common in Rugby Union. Despite this, strength and range-of-motion characteristics of the cervical spine are poorly characterised. Rugby union’s move to professionalism over recent years has markedly altered the physiques of elite level players; Dramatic increases in body mass, strength and power [1,2,3] has resulted in larger magnitude impact forces in the contact phases of the game. This has perhaps been driven by the strong association seen between teams containing the largest players and success in the professional game [1]. While the relatively few catastrophic cervical injuries garner the most research and media interest, it has been suggested that
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