Concussion Reduction in Division I and II Athletes: Effects of Simple Cervical Spine Exercise Regimen

Primary preventative medicine lacks a consensus on effective concussion prevention strategies for collegiate athletes. Cervical strength has been identified as a potential factor in concussion risk reduction. This study evaluates the impact of a commercially available, portable cervical muscle stretching and strengthening device, NeckX®, on cervical strength, range of motion (ROM), and concussion incidence in collegiate athletes participating in high-concussion-risk sports.

A single-arm prospective cohort study was conducted with 162 collegiate athletes from various sports. Participants underwent a 12-week neck exercise protocol using the NeckX® device. Clinical data, including neck strength and ROM, were collected at weeks 0, 6, and 12. Concussion incidence was self-reported by participants and cross-referenced with records from the athletic department. Data were analyzed for significant neck strength and ROM changes throughout the 12-week study. A two-way analysis of variance multiple comparisons with the Tukey-Kramer significant difference test was utilized, using the Holm-Sidak method, with an alpha of 0.05.

All athletic teams experienced a significant increase in cervical strength during the 12-week intervention (α = 0.05, p < 0.05). Increases in cervical flexion and extension force were most consistent between teams. Cervical ROM increased significantly in male and female soccer players (α = 0.05, p < 0.05). The overall incidence of head and neck injuries, including concussions, was reduced to 6.60% during the study period, the lowest recorded value in the university's athletic department history.

The use of the NeckX® device for 12 weeks was effective in enhancing pericervical muscle strength and ROM while reducing concussion incidence in collegiate athletes participating in high-concussion-risk sports. Interestingly, the positive outcomes were consistent for both males and females, indicating the universal advantages of neck training among collegiate athletes. These findings support existing research on the benefits of cervical strengthening exercises for reducing concussions in collegiate athletes and highlight the convenience and affordability of using this device.