Neck Strength No Concussion Shield: New Study

Emerging research is questioning the established advice that strengthening neck muscles can prevent brain injuries during impacts. A comprehensive 2026 review of five studies, published in Current Sports Medicine Reports, found no statistically significant evidence linking neck strength to reduced concussion risk. The authors concluded that the association remains inconclusive.

While neck muscles are considered the body's shock absorber, the direct correlation to concussion prevention is debated. Some studies suggest benefits, like a 2025 review in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies which noted a 45 percent reduction in concussion incidence among male rugby players with cervical-muscle strengthening programs. However, similar effects were not observed in soccer players or female rugby players, indicating a need for more research.

Further biomechanical analysis from a 2026 Sports Medicine review of 30 studies confirms that concussive impacts generate substantially higher head acceleration forces. Despite this, demonstrating that neck training sufficiently mitigates these forces to prevent concussions is still unproven. Athletes are advised to focus on proper form, avoid extreme ranges of motion, and use caution with heavy resistance.