LE3 .A278 2021

2021

Lattimer, Lauren

Acadia University

Bachelor of Kinesiology

Honours

Kinesiology

Kinesiology

Introduction: Sport related concussions are a concerning health issue due to the associated acute and chronic symptoms that they cause. Current literature suggests that female athletes present a greater risk of concussion due to various anatomical and biomechanical differences compared to men. Neck musculature strength and neuromuscular control have been identified as possible factors in preventing concussions by reducing head and neck acceleration. Isometric and isotonic neck strengthening interventions have shown to be effective in improving isometric neck strength. However, there is a lack of research identifying the effectiveness of dynamic multiplanar cervical neuromuscular training on static and dynamic neck strength. Due to the dynamic nature of sport, it is important to train the neck to respond to the unpredictable environment to reduce the biomechanical forces that result in concussion. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether a 7- week novel dynamic neuromuscular training intervention improves concussion risk factors. Methods: Seventeen female varsity athletes participated in the current study. All athletes performed the baseline concussion testing, including assessments in anthropometrics, cognition, isometric and dynamic strength, cervical range of motion, posture, balance, proprioception and vestibular-ocular function. Eight participants were then randomly selected to perform a 7-week dynamic neuromuscular training program for the cervical musculature. The intervention involved two dynamic training regimens: Dynamic Neck Force (DNF) using TopSpin360 and the Multiplanar Neck Strengthening using Iron Neck. Following the 7-week training period, all seventeen participants then completed post-testing which was identical to the aforementioned baseline testing. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in several factors related to concussion risk. Specifically, following 7-weeks of training, neck-girth increased by 3.3%, flexion- extension strength ratio increased by 26.1% and cervical flexor endurance increased by 65.7% within the intervention group. Further, isometric rotational strength improved significantly in left lateral flexion, and left and right flexion with rotation. Dynamic strength, measured by rate of force development improved by 275% in clockwise direction and 322% in CCW. Postural control was also shown to improve, as sway velocity decreased in both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions for COBALT condition 1 and condition 6. Inversely, the control group did not experience any significant improvements in any of the concussion risk factors. Discussion: The findings of the current study suggest that the intervention was effective in improving various factors related to concussion risk. Results obtained suggest that neuromuscular training of the cervical spine may be effective in improving the stability and function of the cervical spine. Prior research suggests that improved size, strength, endurance symmetry and postural control, improve an athlete’s ability to stabilize the head. This improved stability may cause athletes to have reduced motion of the head following a concussive load, consequently reducing concussion risk. Importance: Interventions used in the current study can be implemented into the athletic training programs as methods to improve cervical neuromuscular function, with hopes of reducing the biomechanical forces that often result in concussion.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3564