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.

Digital illustration of a human upper body with transparent skin, highlighting the shoulder blades and neck.
Soccer players preparing with a trainer on a field; one lying on a mat, others standing nearby.

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.

Two stylized profile views of a person standing with bad posture and good posture..

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.

A group of people standing on a sports field, smiling and holding rectangular objects.
Image of man wincing with neck pain

FAQs - The Power of Neck Strength

Written by:

Professional headshot of Scott Dickenson - CEO NecksLevel

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.

NecksLevel Glide Pro

"Like having a Physical Therapist in your home"

Professional neck strengthening and stretching in one compact device. Relieve neck pain while reducing neck stiffness & improving your posture.

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