Poor isometric neck extension strength as a risk factor for concussion in male professional Rugby Union players

This is a summary of the insights from the research paper "Poor isometric neck extension strength as a risk factor for concussion in male professional Rugby Union players".

Is there a way of preventing concussions in male professional rugby players? 🤔

ℹ️ Concussion is one of the highest-burden injuries within professional Rugby Union (‘rugby’) and comes with high health and financial costs to players and teams. Limited evidence exists as to the existence of modifiable intrinsic risk factors for concussion, leaving athletes and clinicians with few options when developing prevention strategies.

➡️ 225 rugby players were assessed for neck strength at three points throughout the 2018/2019 season using a method of isometric contraction. Thirty concussions occurred in 29 players during the study period; a rate of 13,7 concussions per 1000 hours played.

🧠 There was a significant association between extension strength and concussion; a 10% increase in extension strength was associated with a 13% reduction in concussion rate.

1. Neck strength is a modifiable intrinsic risk factor for concussion and may be an important component of a strength and conditioning regime.
2. Greater neck strength was observed at mid and end-of-season time points versus preseason across the study population.
3. These findings suggest that neck strength can be included in sports prevention screenings for rugby.

❗ In the Hylyght platform, there is a sport-specific screening for rugby players that includes the assessment of isometric neck extension strength.

👉 Have a look at the Hylyght platform here.
👉 Read more on the paper here.