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A comparison of training methods to increase neck muscle strength
Angus F Burnett1, Fiona L Naumann, Ryan S Price
1School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia. a.burnett@curtin.edu.au
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|September 24, 2005
Summary
The Multi-Cervical Unit (MCU) significantly improved neck strength more than Thera-Band tubing. Both methods increased isometric neck strength, but the MCU yielded superior results for pilots.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Medicine
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Neck injuries are a significant concern for pilots in high-performance aircraft.
- Neck strength training is a potential strategy to mitigate injury risk in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of two neck strength training modalities: the Multi-Cervical Unit (MCU) and Thera-Band tubing.
- To evaluate their impact on isometric cervical muscle strength.
Main Methods:
- 32 participants were divided into MCU, Thera-Band tubing (THER), and control (CTRL) groups.
- A 10-week training program was implemented.
- Pre- and post-isometric strength testing was conducted using the MCU, with Kruskal-Wallis tests and effect size calculations for comparisons.
Main Results:
- The MCU group showed the largest increases in isometric neck strength across all movements (flexion, extension, lateral flexion).
- These gains were statistically significant compared to the control group.
- The THER group demonstrated moderate increases in neck strength, lower than the MCU group, with moderate to large effect sizes observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- The Multi-Cervical Unit (MCU) is the most effective modality for enhancing isometric cervical muscle strength.
- Thera-Band tubing also provides moderate gains in isometric neck strength, suggesting potential benefits but with less efficacy than the MCU.
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