The study aims to analyze the influence of muscular and biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine on the onset and progression of neck pain in collegiate football players.
Repeated head impacts in contact sports are associated with an increased risk of concussion and persistent neck pain. While the neurological consequences of cranial impacts are well documented, the role of muscular and biomechanical factors of the cervical spine remains poorly understood. This study aims to examine their influence on the incidence and progression of neck pain in collegiate football players over the course of a season.This prospective cohort study will include between 40 and 60 collegiate football players assessed at three key time points (pre-season, mid-season, and post-season). Cervical range of motion, muscle activity (EMG), as well as cervical strength and endurance will be measured during these evaluations. Head impacts will be quantified throughout the football season using instrumented mouthguards. Players will complete questionnaires assessing neck pain, function, and disability. The data will analyze how head impacts, neck movements, and muscle activity influence symptom severity using advanced statistical methods that account for inter-individual variability.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
90
No intervention is specifically evaluated.
Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (IUGM)
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Muscle activity in flexion at pre-season
Amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during maximal voluntary contraction in neck flexion.
Time frame: At pre-season (Day 0)
Muscle activity in flexion at post-season
Amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during maximal voluntary contraction in neck flexion.
Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)
Muscle activity during endurance test at pre-season
Amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during neck flexion endurance test.
Time frame: At pre-season (day 0)
Muscle activity during endurance at post-season
Amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during neck flexion endurance test.
Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)
Endurance time pre-season
Total time during neck flexion endurance test.
Time frame: At pre-season (Day 0)
Endurance time at post-season
Total time during neck flexion endurance test.
Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)
Flexion-relaxation ratio at pre-season
Ratio between amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during cervical flexion and full flexion.
Time frame: At pre-season (Day 0)
Flexion-relation ratio at post-season
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Ratio between amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during cervical flexion and full flexion.
Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)
Force at pre-season
Amplitude of maximal voluntary contraction during neck flexion.
Time frame: At pre-season (day 0)
Force at post-season
Amplitude of maximal voluntary contraction during neck flexion.
Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)
Range of motion at pre-season
Range of motion in flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion of the neck
Time frame: At pre-season (day 0)
Range of motion at post-season
Range of motion in flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion of the neck
Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)