TY - JOUR PY - 2019// TI - Exploring the role of cervical spine endurance as a predictor of concussion risk and recovery following sports related concussion JO - Musculoskeletal science and practice A1 - Baker, Matthew A1 - Quesnele, Jairus A1 - Baldisera, Tara A1 - Kenrick-Rochon, Shannon A1 - Laurence, Michelle A1 - Grenier, Sylvain SP - 193 EP - 197 VL - 42 IS - N2 - BACKGROUND: Concussions have become a significant public health concern with rising incidence rates. Concussions have been shown to occur concurrently with neck injuries, such as whiplash-associated-disorder, therefore, understanding the role of the neck in concussions is important.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if there is a relationship between cervical muscle endurance and either concussion incidence, or concussion recovery in university athletes. Specifically, the primary aim was to investigate a relationship between pre-season deep neck flexor endurance test (DNFET) time in those who sustained an in-season injury versus those who did not. The secondary aim is to determine correlation in DNFET times and concussion recovery.

DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study.

METHODS: Pre-season DNFET was performed on university athletes. In the event of a concussion, cervical endurance and neuromuscular adaptation was re-assessed with the DNFET. Rehabilitative exercises were prescribed, as required, and DNFET was measured at subsequent treatments.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between pre-season DNFET times and concussion incidence (p = 0.55). However, there was a moderate correlation between DNFET times and concussion recovery (R = 0.47, p = 0.001) whereby DNFET times improved predictively throughout rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS: While no statistically significant relationship was found between DNFET and concussion incidence, a significant clinical relationship was present with recovery. The validity of the DNFET test as a means for assessing risk or measuring recovery requires additional research.

Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 2468-8630 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2019.04.002 ID - ref1 ER -