title: Effectiveness of a tailored neck training program on neck strength, movement, and fatigue in under-19 male rugby players: a randomized controlled pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of a tailored neck muscle conditioning program on neck muscle strength, neck muscle fatigue, and range of neck movement in 16-18-year-old male rugby players.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-four male rugby players were divided into forward and back playing positions and randomized within these groups. Seventeen players were randomly assigned to each group. The test group was given a tailored 6-week exercise regime based on their baseline measurements to be performed three times a week in addition to their normal training and playing. The control group trained and played as normal. The outcome measures used were cervical spine range of movement, neck strength, and neck muscle fatigability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no clinically relevant statistically significant differences between the two groups. Trends identified between the two groups suggest that a tailored neck exercise program increases neck strength, particularly neck extension, and increases resistance to fatigue, as well as influencing right- and left-sided neck muscle balance. A reduction in range of movement was also demonstrated in the test group. There was a great deal of variability in range of movement and strength within this age group. No previously undiagnosed neck conditions were detected, and there were no adverse events reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has shown that neck strength, range of movement, and susceptibility of the neck muscles to fatigue can be influenced using a focused neck training regime. It forms an important basis for a larger, multicenter study to ensure the neck is given due attention in rugby training and receives the same focus of conditioning as other parts of the body.
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Matthew D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.affiliation: Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, Mersey Deanery, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Terence F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: McLoughlin
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Kieran R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.affiliation: The Gatherer Partnership, Aylesbury, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Don
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gatherer
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Michael Tr
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Parratt
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jonathan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Perera
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Tim Wr
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Briggs
keywords: injury; muscle; scrum; sport; youth