Citation

Morimoto K, Sakamoto M, Fukuhara T, Kato K. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2013; 25(5): 563-566.

Affiliation

Asakura Clinic, Seseragi Hospital ; Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Society of Physical Therapy Science)

DOI

10.1589/jpts.25.563

PMID

24259802

PMCID

PMC3804966

Abstract

[Purpose] This study examined differences in neck muscle activity in two different head positions during tackles with the aim of contributing to the prevention of sports injuries. [Subjects] The subjects were 28 male high-school rugby players. [Methods] Two tackle positions were considered: a head-up position and a head-down position. Muscle activities of the sternocleidomastoid muscles and the upper, middle, and lower parts of the trapezius muscles were measured. [Results] Muscle activities of the sternocleidomastoid muscles and the right upper trapezius muscle were significantly increased in the head-up position, and the activity of the lower trapezius was significantly increased in the head-down position. [Conclusion] Tackling with the head-up position increases neck muscle activity and stability of the head and the neck.

Language: en