NecksLevel Research | Tackling Concussions in Youth Sports
As youth sports become increasingly competitive, concerns about the safety of young athletes continue to grow, particularly when it comes to concussions and neck injuries.
Whether it’s soccer, football, or rugby, every direct impact puts youth at risk. But what if there was more we could do to prevent these injuries, not just through protective equipment, but by actually strengthening the muscles that support and stabilize the head and neck, making athletes more resilient to the demands of their sport?
That’s where NecksLevel comes in.
NecksLevel was recently featured in a study published by the International Journal of Physical Education, Sports, and Health, titled “The Effectiveness of a Neck Strengthening Program Using the NecksLevel® Device in a Population of Youth Female Soccer Players.”
NecksLevel Neck Strength Study
In this University of Delaware study, 16 female soccer players, all aged 12, participated in an 8-week neck strengthening program using the NecksLevel device.
The results? The athletes demonstrated improvements in neck strength, particularly in key areas like lateral bending and extension, movements that are crucial for both injury prevention and overall neck stability. These gains could not only help protect athletes from concussions but also provide increased protection for anyone facing impact-related injuries, such as those caused by car accidents or similar trauma.
Why Neck Strength Matters
You might be asking: what does neck strength have to do with preventing concussions?
The neck muscles play a critical role in stabilizing the head during impacts. Stronger neck muscles help absorb and reduce the force that causes head acceleration, one of the main factors contributing to concussions.
When our neck muscles are not able to slow down head acceleration, this can cause the brain to jolt rapidly within the skull. This rapid movement can result in brain bruising, swelling, or damage, potentially affecting cognitive function and physical well being.
Impressive gains in just eight weeks: neck strength improvement through targeted exercises.
The study showed that after just eight weeks of targeted neck strengthening exercises, the players saw measurable improvements in their neck strength. What’s more fascinating is that the researchers suggested that even greater results could be achieved with extended training and experimenting with study parameters. The combination of NecksLevel exercises with neuromuscular control activities was also recommended to enhance stability and protection further.
The Future of Brain & Neck Health Starts Here
This research isn’t just about short-term relief.
It highlights the potential of NecksLevel to be a long lasting tool for neck strength and injury prevention. Whether you're an athlete, a desk-bound professional, or someone managing chronic neck pain, neck health plays a critical role in overall well-being and resilience.
At NecksLevel, we believe this research is just the beginning. We’re eager to see this study expand because it addresses an essential topic that could reshape how we approach concussion prevention in youth sports.
The findings could also translate to reduced rates of concussions or injuries in other high-impact scenarios. By continuing to explore the relationship between neck strength and head protection, we can help safeguard athletes and build a foundation for long-term health and performance.
Check out the full research article here.
Acknowleding our NecksLevel Research Partner
Thank you to the University of Delaware Athletic Training Department for their important work in advancing research on neck strength and injury prevention in youth sports.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to be apart of this conversation and hope this study sparks further interest in how neck strengthening programs, like with NecksLevel, can make a lasting impact on the health and safety of athletes everywhere.
FAQs - The Power of Neck Strength
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. It can also occur from a hit to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to move or twist in the skull, leading to chemical changes in the brain and, sometimes, damage to brain cells due to the impact.
How does neck strength help prevent concussions?
Strong neck muscles can absorb and reduce the force of impact during collisions and impact. By stabilizing the head and reducing head acceleration, increased neck strength may lower the risk of concussions.
This is why neck strengthening programs, like the one using NecksLevel, are so important for athletes who play high impact sports.
Who can benefit from neck strengthening exercises?
While athletes are the primary focus for injury prevention in this study, anyone can benefit from neck strengthening exercises. Office workers, individuals recovering from neck injuries, or those suffering from chronic neck pain may also find value in these exercises to improve neck health and posture.
What types of sports put athletes at the highest risk for concussions?
Sports that involve a high level of physical contact or collisions, such as football, soccer, hockey, and rugby, pose a greater risk for concussions. However, any sport that involves sudden movements or impacts to the body or head can increase the risk.
How do NecksLevel devices strengthen the neck?
The NecksLevel Glide & Glide Pro are designed to strengthen key neck muscles through controlled resistance and stretching exercises. By using NecksLevel regularly, individuals can target the muscles responsible for head stability, improving neck strength and reducing the risk of injury.
Written by:
Dr. Niya Gray, DPT, LSVT BIG
Physical Therapist
Niya is a Physical Therapist and Marketing Manager with a passion for health solutions and patient outcomes, focused on bridging the gap in access, quality, and innovation in healthcare. With a keen interest in the digital space, she seeks to drive healthcare forward by leveraging technology, creative advancements, and digital platforms to enhance patient care and improve healthcare accessibility.
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