E-Thesis 270 views 172 downloads
Neck Strength and Cervical Range of Motion in Male and Female University Rugby Union Athletes / MADELEINE JONES
Swansea University Author: MADELEINE JONES
Abstract
This study investigated whether androcentric research is appropriate for female rugby players. The direct relationship between neck strength and cervical range of motion (CROM) was assessed in male and female players. The efficacy of a neck strength training intervention was explored. New methods of...
| Published: |
Swansea
2020
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MSc by Research |
| Supervisor: | Williams, Elisabeth M.P. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59720 |
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| Abstract: |
This study investigated whether androcentric research is appropriate for female rugby players. The direct relationship between neck strength and cervical range of motion (CROM) was assessed in male and female players. The efficacy of a neck strength training intervention was explored. New methods of measuring neck length and CROM were developed and validated. Three university rugby cohorts of male union (n=27), female union (n=24) and male league controls (n=10) were recruited. Isometric neck strength (pre-season, mid-season and post-season) and endurance (pre-season and post-season) were assessed in union cohorts. The union cohorts underwent a neck strength intervention. A novel CROM measurement system, employing a harness board apparatus, was validated. Union and league cohorts were assessed for CROM at mid-season. Males had significantly greater neck strength (Mdn = 219 N, IQR = 64 N) than females (Mdn = 129 N, IQR = 23 N, p <.001), and significantly lower neck strength endurance (M = 25 s, SD = 7 s) than females (M = 40 s, SD = 12 s, p <.001). Unlike the female cohort, males exhibited positional differences in neck strength. Female union (M = 56⁰, SD = 4⁰, p <.007) and male league (M = 57⁰, SD = 8⁰, p <.010) had significantly greater CROM than male union (M = 49⁰, SD = 7⁰), with no cohorts exhibiting positional differences. There were no significant associations between neck strength and CROM in male players, whereas directional associations were observed in females. The sex differences in anthropometry, neck strength and CROM suggest that women should not undergo training and injury prevention strategies based on androcentric research. The efficacy of dynamic neck strength training and the implications on post-season CROM could not be assessed due to COVID-19. The harness board apparatus with ImageJ procedure demonstrated excellent reliability as a measure of CROM. |
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| Keywords: |
neck strength, cervical range of motion, rugby, concussion, head impact, injury, sex differences, cervical spine, anthropometry, anthropometric, neck strength training intervention, positional differences, forwards, backs |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |