The implementation of a neck strengthening exercise program in elite rugby union: A team case study over one season.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of a neck strengthening program on maximal isometric neck strength and incidence of head and neck injuries including concussion, and to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the program within one professional men's rugby union team over one season.

DESIGN

Pre- and post-intervention study.

METHODS

A phased neck strengthening program was implemented in one rugby union team (n = 26 Forward Group; n = 13 Back Group) throughout the 2020 Super Rugby season, with maximal isometric neck strength measured at each training phase. Strength changes were analysed using one-way, repeated measures analysis of variance and paired samples t-test. Injury data from 2019 to 2020 were compared using incidence rate ratios (IRR). Player and staff surveys, reported as percentage of agreement, assessed program acceptability and feasibility.

RESULTS

Forward Group's neck flexors (p < 0.001), left-lateral flexors (p = 0.04) and flexor/extensor ratio (p < 0.001) and Back Group's neck flexors (p = 0.01) significantly improved across the season, with uncertain evidence to support the reduction of head and neck injuries (IRR:0.86 (0.23-2.56) and concussion (IRR:0.63 (0.06-3.34) between seasons. Survey responses revealed high percentages of agreement for the program's acceptability and feasibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted sport-specific neck exercises have the potential to increase the maximal isometric neck strength of professional rugby players and may assist in reducing head and neck injuries including concussion.