Evaluation of a Neck Strengthening Program to Reduce the Risk of Sport-related Concussion

Evaluation of a Neck Strengthening Program as a Potential Intervention to Reduce the Risk of Sport-related Concussion

Evaluation of a neck strengthening program as a potential intervention to reduce the risk of sport-related concussion in youth contact and collision sport athletes.

This is a pilot study to investigate the effect of a supervised 8 week strengthening intervention in male and female youth contact and collision sport athletes. Participants will complete a supervised strengthening exercise intervention involving manual resistance exercises administered by a strength coach with pre- and post-intervention assessments of neck size and strength.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Contact/collision sport athletes (for example, american football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, ice hockey, field hockey, basketball, wrestling, boxing, martial arts, water polo)

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of concussion (suspected or diagnosed) in the previous 6 months
• History of neck pain or injury in the previous 6 months
• History of migraine headaches
• History of personal or parental history of a diagnosed anxiety disorder