Effects of dynamic neck muscle training on strength and cross-sectional area of neck muscles in judo athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dynamic neck muscle training using a cervical extension machine (CEM) on isometric cervical extension strength (ICES) and a cross-sectional area of neck extensor muscles. Subjects were 18 male college judo athletes divided into a control group (n = 10) and training group (n = 8), respectively. In the training group, dynamic neck muscle training was performed for a 6 week training period, followed by a 10 week training period. There was a detraining period of 12 weeks between the first training period and the second. The ICES was measured at eight angles using a CEM, and the neck muscle cross-sectional area was determined using magnetic resonance imaging. The ICES and cross-sectional area of neck extensor muscles in the training group showed significant increases after the second training period. In particular, the increase in the cross-sectional area was greater in the deepest layer of the neck extensor muscles (rotator, multifidus and semispinaris cervicis muscles) than in the superficial layer (trapezius muscle). In the control group, no significant changes in ICES or cross-sectional area were observed. In conclusion, it was shown that dynamic neck muscle training using a CEM was effective in developing both ICES and the cross-sectional area of neck extensor muscles, especially in the deepest layer.