Pediatric Exercise Science, 2014, 2

Pediatric Exercise Science, 2014, 26, 33-40
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/pes.2013-0102
© 2014 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Gutierrez is with the Dept. of Physical Therapy, New York
University, New York, NY. Conte is with the Science Research
Program, Ossining High School, Ossining, NY. Lightbourne
is with the Dept. of Technology Management and Innovation,
Polytechnic Institute of New York University, Brooklyn, NY.
The Relationship Between Impact Force, Neck Strength,
and Neurocognitive Performance in Soccer Heading
in Adolescent Females
Gregory M. Gutierrez
New York University
Catherine Conte
Ossining High School
Kristian Lightbourne
Polytechnic Institute of New York University
Head impacts are common in contact sports, but only recently has there been a rising awareness of the effects
of subconcussive impacts in adolescent athletes. A better understanding of how to attenuate head impacts is
needed and therefore, this study investigated the relationship between neck strength, impact, and neurocognitive
function in an acute bout of soccer heading in a sample of female high school varsity soccer players. Seventeen
participants completed the ImPACT neurocognitive test and had their isometric neck strength tested (flexion,
extension, and bilateral flexion) before heading drills. Each participant was outfitted with custom headgear
with timing switches and a three-dimensional accelerometer affixed to the back of the head, which allowed for
measurement of impact during heading. Participants performed a series of 15 directional headers, including 5
forward, 5 left and 5 right headers in a random order, then completed the ImPACT test again. Neurocognitive
tests revealed no significant changes following heading. However, there were statistically significant, moderate,
negative correlations (r = –0.500:–0.757, p < .05) between neck strength and resultant header acceleration,
indicating that those with weaker necks sustained greater impacts. This suggests neck strengthening may be
an important component of any head injury prevention/reduction program.
Keywords: adolescent, strength, exercise training, gender, sport medicine, biomechanics