title: Electromyographic study of neck muscle activity according to head position in rugby tackles.
abstract: [Purpose] This study examined differences in neck muscle activity in two different head positions during tackles with the aim of contributing to the prevention of sports injuries. [Subjects] The subjects were 28 male high-school rugby players. [Methods] Two tackle positions were considered: a head-up position and a head-down position. Muscle activities of the sternocleidomastoid muscles and the upper, middle, and lower parts of the trapezius muscles were measured. [Results] Muscle activities of the sternocleidomastoid muscles and the right upper trapezius muscle were significantly increased in the head-up position, and the activity of the lower trapezius was significantly increased in the head-down position. [Conclusion] Tackling with the head-up position increases neck muscle activity and stability of the head and the neck.
authors.affiliation: Asakura Clinic, Seseragi Hospital ; Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University.
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Morimoto
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sakamoto
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fukuhara
authors.forename: Kazuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kato
keywords: Rugby; Sternocleidomastoid muscle; Trapezius muscle