Investigating how neck muscles affect head movement during sports impacts in high school athletes

How do the neck muscles influence head acceleration during sport-associated impact events in high school athletes?

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-10451559

This study is looking at how strengthening neck muscles might help high school athletes better protect themselves from concussions during sports by reducing the force of head impacts.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10451559 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the relationship between neck muscle strength and head acceleration during impact events in high school athletes. By conducting a clinical trial, the study aims to assess how manual resistance neck strengthening exercises can improve neck strength and potentially reduce the risk of concussions. The research will simulate various sports-related impacts to measure the effects on head acceleration, providing insights into how neck strength may protect young athletes from injury. The findings could lead to optimized exercise programs designed to enhance neck strength and reduce concussion risks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are high school athletes, particularly those involved in contact sports.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in sports or who do not participate in physical activities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective neck strengthening programs that significantly reduce the risk of concussions in young athletes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that strengthening neck muscles may help mitigate concussion risks, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.