Cervical isometric strength and range of motion of elite rugby union players: a cohort study

Hamilton, David F; Gatherer, Don

Abstract

Background: Head and neck injury is relatively common in Rugby Union. Despite this, strength and range-of-motion characteristics of the cervical spine are poorly characterised. The aim of this study was to provide data on the strength and range-of-motion of the cervical spine of professional rugby players to guide clinical rehabilitation.

Methods: A cohort study was performed evaluating 27 players from a single UK professional rugby club. Cervical isometric strength and range-of-motion were assessed in 3 planes of reference. Anthropometric data was collected and multivariate regression modelling performed with a view to predicting cervical isometric strength.

Results: Largest forces were generated in extension, with broadly equal isometric side flexion forces at around 90% of extension values. The forwards generated significantly more force than the backline in all parameters bar flexion. The forwards had substantially reduced cervical range-of-motion and larger body mass, with differences observed in height, weight, neck circumference and chest circumference (p < 0.002). Neck circumference was the sole predictor of isometric extension (adjusted R2 = 30.34).

Conclusion: Rehabilitative training programs aim to restore individuals to pre-injury status. This work provides reference ranges for the strength and range of motion of the cervical spine of current elite level rugby players.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 14, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Jul 31, 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Deposit Date: Nov 9, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 11, 2020
• Journal: BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Publisher: BMC
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 1
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-1847-6-32
• Keywords: Rugby, Cervical spine, Strength, Range of motion
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2698648