The effectiveness of two neck strengthening protocols on male and female amateur rugby players at enhancing isometric neck strength.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of two different neck strengthening protocols at increasing isometric neck strength in male and female rugby players.

DESIGN

Cluster randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

The team training facility of 3 amateur clubs.

PARTICIPANTS

142 male and female amateur rugby players were recruited to take part in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Isometric neck strength in flexion, extension, left and right side flexion, left and right rotation and sum of strength scores.

RESULTS

Changes in neck strength were analysed for within-group and between group differences. Relative to the control group the male Band resisted group recorded the largest strength gain with statistically significant increases in sum of strength scores (p = 0.002), extension (p = 0.034), right flexion (p = 0.004), left rotation (p < 0.001) and right rotation scores (p < 0.001). The male Partner resisted group recorded improvements in left rotation (p < 0.001) and right rotation (p = 0.006). In the female band resisted group significant improvements in neck strength were recorded for sum of strength scores (p = 0.042), right rotation (p = 0.003) and left rotation (p = 0.005) however in the Partner resisted group significant improvements were recorded in right rotation only (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed two time efficient and low cost neck strengthening protocols that demonstrate efficacy at enhancing neck strengthen in a team setting.