Examining the relationship between cervical anthropometics, head kinematics and cervical muscle responses to sudden head perturbations in competitive ice hockey players

Abstract

Sex differences in neck muscle characteristics may explain the higher incidence of concussions in female hockey players. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in cervical muscle characteristics between male and female hockey players when exposed to sudden head perturbations. Sixteen competitive ice hockey players (8 female) were measured for total neck volume (TNV) and head circumference/neck circumference ratio (HC/NC). Participants underwent multidirectional head perturbations (causing head flexion, extension, left and right lateral bend). Muscle onset latency, muscle activity and head acceleration data were collected before, during and after each perturbation. TNV and HC/NC showed weak relationships to head acceleration. Females displayed significantly greater head acceleration in left lateral bend and flexion despite having significantly shorter muscle onset latencies in flexion. Females displayed significantly more muscle activity in the reflex period of extension. These findings demonstrate sex differences in muscle activation and head acceleration. Further investigation of neck stiffness could place females at a greater risk of concussion.