The effectiveness of a neck strengthening program using the NecksLevel ® device in a population of youth female soccer players
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Sport-related concussions are prevalent in soccer, the world’s most popular sport. In the collegiate population, male and female soccer players are reported to have concussion rates of 0.6/1000 athlete exposures (AE) and 0.4/1000 AE respectively. As a solution, heading technique and neck strength have emerged as areas of interest. Research has shown that neck strengthening exercises can improve neck strength with a direct translation to a reduction in head acceleration during headers. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of a novel neck strengthening program on neck strength and girth in a population of youth female soccer players. ☐ Using a contemporary neck strengthening device over an 8-week period we examined outcomes in isometric neck strength and neck girth in a cohort of 16 female youth (12 y.o.) soccer players. A series of paired samples T-tests were conducted to determine differences between pre-and post-training measures. Right Lateral Bending neck strength improved significantly pre- (16.4 ± 5.0 lb.) to post- (17.1 ± 4.4 lb.) training. Although not significantly different, Flexion, Extension, and Left Lateral Bending neck strength were improved. The improvement in neck girth was not significant. These findings underscore the effectiveness of targeted neck-strengthening exercises in enhancing specific aspects of neck strength among female youth soccer athletes. Moreover, they highlight the importance of comprehensive strategies in concussion prevention for this demographic. Further research is warranted to optimize such strategies and ensure the well-being of young athletes.
Description
Keywords
Sport-related concussions, Athletes, Neck strengthening program, Soccer players