Cervical range of motion, cervical and shoulder strength in senior versus age-grade Rugby Union International front-row forwards. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davies, Mark; Moore, Isabel S.; Moran, Patrick; Mathema, Prabhat; Ranson, Craig A.
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 19(2016)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Normative strength -- Rugby -- Neck injury -- Upper limb; Sports physical therapy -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- diagnosis -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Physical Therapy -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; 615.82088796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2015.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To provide normative values for cervical range of motion (CROM), isometric cervical and shoulder strength for; International Senior professional, and International Age-grade Rugby Union front-row forwards. Design: Cross-sectional population study. Setting: All international level front-row players within a Rugby Union Tier 1 Nation. Participants: Nineteen Senior and 21 Age-grade front-row forwards underwent CROM, cervical and shoulder strength testing. Main outcome measures: CROM was measured using the CROM device and the Gatherer System was used to measure multi-directional isometric cervical and shoulder strength. Results: The Age-grade players had significantly lower; cervical strength (26–57% deficits), cervical flexion to extension strength ratios (0.5 vs. 0.6), and shoulder strength (2–36% deficits) than the Senior players. However, there were no differences between front-row positions within each age group. Additionally, there were no differences between age groups or front-row positions in the CROM measurements. Conclusions: Senior Rugby Union front-row forwards have greater cervical and shoulder strength than Age-grade players, with the biggest differences being in cervical strength, highlighting the need for age specific normative values. Importantly, Age-grade players should be evaluated to ensure they have developed sufficient cervical strength prior to entering professional level Rugby Union. Highlights: Cervical and shoulder strength, and cervical range of motion were measured. All international level front-row players within a National Rugby Union participated. Age-grade players had less cervical flexor strength than Senior internationals. Greater between age-group deficits were found in cervical than shoulder strength. Cervical strength assessment can guide injury evaluation and player preparation.