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.