Effect of Neck Training on Outcomes Related to Sport-Related Concussion

NCT06774976 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: MLP1033
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a significant concern in soccer. This pilot quasi-experimental trial aims to investigate the efficacy and acceptability of an evidence-based neck resistance exercise program in female soccer athletes for SRC prevention. The 8-week intervention includes dynamic and static neck exercises designed to reduce linear and rotational head accelerations, improve neck muscle strength, and minimise SRC risk. The study will evaluate program outcomes through laboratory testing, questionnaires, and user feedback. Findings from this pilot study will inform the design and implementation of a full-scale study, aiming to advance preventive strategies in SRC and address the underrepresentation of female athletes in research.

Conditions

Sport-related Concussion

Keywords

Sport-related concussion; Neck muscles; Primary prevention; Resistance training

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Linear head acceleration

  Linear head accelerations will be assessed during impulsive loads applied to the head in four cervical directions: flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. The impulsive load will be induced using a custom-made device, and linear accelerations will be measured with a Qualisys motion capture system, reported in units of gravitational force (g-force).

  Measurements will be taken at baseline and after the 8-week intervention program.

• Rotational head acceleration

  Rotational head accelerations will be assessed during impulsive loads applied to the head in four cervical directions: flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. The impulsive load will be induced using a custom-made device, and rotational accelerations will be measured with a Qualisys motion capture system, reported in radians per second squared (rad/s²).

  Measurements will be taken at baseline and after the 8-week intervention program.

• Isometric neck strength

  Isometric neck strength measured in all four cervical directions (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation) using a handheld dynamometer and will be reported in Newtons (N).

  Measurements will be taken at baseline and after the 8-week intervention program.

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Acceptability of an evidence-based neck resistance training program

  The questionnaire will be distributed to athletes and trainers at the end of the 8-week

Other Outcomes (2)

• Neck Muscle Activation Timing

  Measurements will be taken at baseline and after the 8-week intervention program.

• Neck Muscle Activation Amplitude

  Measurements will be taken at baseline and after the 8-week intervention program.

Study Arms (2)

Neck Resistance Training

EXPERIMENTAL

8-week Evidence-Based Neck Resistance Training Program

Other: 8-week Evidence-Based Neck Resistance Training Program

Training as Usual

NO INTERVENTION

Usual Training Regiment

Interventions

8-week Evidence-Based Neck Resistance Training Program OTHER

See arm/group description.

Neck Resistance Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 16 Years+
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Teams that are located in Skåne county
• Teams that are trained by professional trainers who are financially compensated for their work
• Teams that are not engaged in any targeted neck-strengthening exercises during the trial period beyond those prescribed within the trial
• Players that are 16 years of age or older
• Players that regularly attend all senior-level team activities, including training and match sessions
• Players that free of any injuries to their upper or lower limbs, torso, neck, or head at the time of enrolment
• Players with no history of undiagnosed neck pain within the previous three months.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Lund University: lead

Study Sites (1)

MoRe Lab

Lund, 22100, Sweden

Location

Study Officials

• Eva Ageberg, PhD

  Lund University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Branimir Ivanic

CONTACT

+46739695279; branimir.ivanic@med.lu.se

Eva Ageberg

CONTACT

+46462224943; eva.ageberg@med.lu.se

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 7, 2025
• First Posted: January 14, 2025
• Study Start: September 1, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Last Updated: March 17, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share

Locations

SE (1)