Evaluating the Effects of a Novel Neuromuscular Neck Training Device on Multiplanar Static and Dynamic Neck Strength: A Pilot Study

Versteegh, TH, Dickey, JP, Emery, CA, Fischer, LK, MacDermid, JC, and Walton, DM. Evaluating the effects of a novel neuromuscular neck training device on multiplanar static and dynamic neck strength: A pilot study. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 708–716, 2020—The neck serves an important function in damping the transference of acceleration forces between the head and the trunk, such as that occurring during contact sports or motor vehicle collisions. An inability to adequately dissipate forces has been proposed as a potential mechanism for clinical conditions such as whiplash or concussion, but current approaches to neck training may not be targeting the correct mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to explore the training effect of a novel neuromuscular strengthening protocol on dynamic and static neck strength. This was a quasiexperimental pilot study design with intervention (n = 8) and control (n = 10) groups. The intervention group was trained (twice/week, ∼10 minutes, for 7 weeks) on a training device that uses self-generated centripetal force to create a dynamic rotational resistance. This protocol is intended to target the ability of the neck muscles to perform coordinated multiplanar plyometric contractions. Both groups also continued with traditional neck strengthening that included training on a straight-plane, isotonic, 4-way neck machine. Performance on the training device showed improvement after routine practice within 1 week, as evidenced by a trend towa...
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research