902 MEP048 – Evaluating a neck strength protocol for neuromuscular indicators in intercollegiate female athletes to reduce the incidence of concussions

AbstractBackground The proposed presentation includes research findings from a dynamic neck strength training protocol implemented with a Division I NCAA volleyball team over the course of two years. Objective The primary goal of this research was to determine the efficacy of a neck strength protocol to increase isometric and dynamic neck strength.Design This research was conducted in collaboration with the Citadel Military College of South Carolina volleyball team. The study was conducted over a period of a full year with retrospective data regarding concussion occurrence prior to the neck training program.Setting Both pre- and post-assessments and the neck training program occurred at the Citadel.Participants University-age students recruited from women's volleyball. Spring:12-participants, Fall:16-participants.Interventions The program consisted of a warm-up: two-sets 40–50% peak-RPM. Training-sets 2x50 revolutions at 90–100% Peak-RPM.Measurements The primary study outcome measures were isometric and Dynamic neck strength values.Results Jan-Apr Cohort post-assessments indicated improvements in all metrics for all participants. Table-2: Jan-April Cohort averages.Aug-Nov Cohort demonstrated significant increases in all metrics. This cohort included incoming freshmen who had never participated in neck strengh. Reference Table-3 attached for Aug-Nov Cohort averages. A linear regression model was used to determine the rate of change/improvement for each metric assessed Jan-April and Aug-Nov. Statical significance in change was represented by the data. Table-4–5 indicates the linear regression model outcome per each metric. Conclusions The novel dynamic neck strengthening protocol used by the Citadel Volleyball team demonstrated significant improvements in isometric and dynamic neck strength values. In addition, the research reviewed retrospective data from the Citadel Volleyball teams medical history. Previous to using the TopSpin360 the volleyball team had recorded a total of 8 concussions during off- and on-season play. Since using the TopSpin360 neck strength tool from 2021–2022, the team recorded zero concussions. View this table:View inline View popup Abstract 902 Table 1 Citadel volleyball team neck strengthening protocolView this table:View inline View popup Abstract 902 Table 2 Averages for pre- and post- metrics Jan-April cohortView this table:View inline View popup Abstract 902 Table 3 Averages for pre- and post- metrics Aug-Nov cohortView this table:View inline View popup Abstract 902 Table 4 RPM, RFD, & isometric neck strength rate of change analysisView this table:View inline View popup Abstract 902 Table 5 Freshman data analysis from August-November 2022Download figure Open in new tab Download powerpoint Abstract 902 Figure 1