The role of neck plyometrics in mitigating head acceleration: Insights from instrumented mouthguard data

Overview

Plyometric exercises have long been recognised for their ability to enhance muscle strength, power, and neuromuscular performance. In the context of contact sports like rugby, where head impacts are common, targeted plyometric training for neck muscles offers a promising avenue for injury prevention. Our team has developed a novel plyometric training regimen specifically designed to strengthen the neck muscles, which are critical for head stabilisation during impacts.

Preliminary findings from our research indicate that these exercises can effectively reduce head acceleration during impacts, a key factor linked to the risk of concussion and other head injuries. Additionally, this training has shown improvements in muscle onset latency, suggesting faster neuromuscular responses that may further mitigate the forces transmitted to the head during contact events.

However, further investigation is required to quantify the strength metrics that correlate with the efficacy of these exercises in reducing head acceleration. Identifying these metrics will not only validate the effectiveness of the training program but also provide a framework for assessing individual risk reduction in rugby players. This work is essential for optimizing training protocols, establishing performance benchmarks, and ultimately reducing the incidence and severity of head impacts in contact sports.

The project is suitable for a candidate with an Honours or Masters degree in Sport Science, Sports Physiotherapy, Biomechanics, Strength and Conditioning or Engineering. The candidate should also be enthusiastic and passionate about research and keen to learn new skills.

The applicant must be eligible for admission to the PhD programme at the University of Otago and will need to gain a University of Otago doctoral scholarship.

These scholarships are highly competitive and require an excellent GPA (straight A’s and a GPA of 8 or higher); completion of a relevant Honours or Master's degree with an appropriate research component; and research publications are an advantage.

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago