Pendulum 5-Way Head and Neck Machines

Preventive Sports Medicine is the first order of any strength and conditioning program. Training to participate in sports requires prior preparation so the physical system can operate at an effective safe level and the athlete at any age has a lower risk of injury. Once in great condition the safety consideration does not diminish even though athleticism increases.

A priority in strength training regardless of gender should be the muscles that move the head and neck. There is always a risk of concussion in the vast majority of sports. Having strong muscles that move the head and neck lower the subconcussive forces as they attenuate and dissipate energy, and can reduce the effect of impact.

Lowering subconcussive forces reduces the risk of injury. Strengthening the musculature after head trauma is an important part of return-to-play. This has become much more apparent than previously thought, as research has found that there is also a significant risk of lower extremity injuries following a concussion. This is addressed in detail in the 2022, Orthaepedic Journal of Sports Medicine.

In this research assessment, “Lower Extremity Injury After Return to Sports From Concussion: A Systematic Review”, it was concluded:

“An increased incidence of LE (lower extremity) injuries was observed at 90 days and 1 year after the diagnosis of a concussion. Higher levels of competition, such as at the collegiate and professional levels, resulted in an increased risk of sustaining a subsequent LE injury after a diagnosed concussion. These results suggest an at-risk population who may benefit from injury prevention methods after a concussion.”

The following is one of the many reviewed articles that exemplify the occurrence:

From the 2021 Journal – Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation, “Concussion Is Associated With Increased Odds of Acute Lower-Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury Among National Basketball Association Players”

“Concussed NBA athletes have increased odds for sustaining an acute LE (lower extremity) musculoskeletal injury within 90 days of RTP ( return-to-play) compared with nonconcussed controls. The most common injuries were ligament strains or tears. Changes in neuromotor control and proprioception following a concussion should be evaluated in high-level basketball players returning to sport.”

Make Head and Neck training the number one exercise in your program, not only to lower the immediate risk of injury but unexpected injuries that may occur after head trauma.

Neck Machines are lined up on the far right in the above photo. A clear message that head and neck training is important to the program and to all athletes participating in it.