THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NECK STRENGTH AND HEAD ACCELERATIONS IN A RUGBY TACKLE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between neck strength and head accelerations during a rugby tackle. Ten elite rugby players had their neck strength assessed and head accelerations tracked using a three dimensional motion analysis system during a rugby tackle. Higher levels of strength were related to lower head accelerations. Significant relationships were found between coronal plane accelerations and flexion and extension strength. The findings support those in the literature suggesting that increasing neck strength is a potential target to reduce sport concussions.