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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07423052

Muscle and Biomechanical Factors in Football-Related Neck Pain

The study aims to analyze the influence of muscular and biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine on the onset and progression of neck pain in collegiate football players.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (IUGM)

Montreal, Quebec, H3W, Canada

About this study

Repeated head impacts in contact sports are associated with an increased risk of concussion and persistent neck pain. While the neurological consequences of cranial impacts are well documented, the role of muscular and biomechanical factors of the cervical spine remains poorly understood. This study aims to examine their influence on the incidence and progression of neck pain in collegiate football players over the course of a season.This prospective cohort study will include between 40 and 60 collegiate football players assessed at three key time points (pre-season, mid-season, and post-season). Cervical range of motion, muscle activity (EMG), as well as cervical strength and endurance will be measured during these evaluations. Head impacts will be quantified throughout the football season using instrumented mouthguards. Players will complete questionnaires assessing neck pain, function, and disability. The data will analyze how head impacts, neck movements, and muscle activity influence symptom severity using advanced statistical methods that account for inter-individual variability.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being enrolled as a football player in a varsity team during 2025-2026 season.

Exclusion criteria

  • None

Treatment and study plan

Time over a regular football season

Other

No intervention is specifically evaluated.

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle activity in flexion at pre-season

    Time frame: At pre-season (Day 0)

    Amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during maximal voluntary contraction in neck flexion.

  2. Muscle activity in flexion at post-season

    Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)

    Amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during maximal voluntary contraction in neck flexion.

  3. Muscle activity during endurance test at pre-season

    Time frame: At pre-season (day 0)

    Amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during neck flexion endurance test.

  4. Muscle activity during endurance at post-season

    Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)

    Amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during neck flexion endurance test.

  5. Endurance time pre-season

    Time frame: At pre-season (Day 0)

    Total time during neck flexion endurance test.

  6. Endurance time at post-season

    Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)

    Total time during neck flexion endurance test.

  7. Flexion-relaxation ratio at pre-season

    Time frame: At pre-season (Day 0)

    Ratio between amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during cervical flexion and full flexion.

  8. Flexion-relation ratio at post-season

    Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)

    Ratio between amplitude of neck muscle activity measured using surface electromyography electrodes during cervical flexion and full flexion.

  9. Force at pre-season

    Time frame: At pre-season (day 0)

    Amplitude of maximal voluntary contraction during neck flexion.

  10. Force at post-season

    Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)

    Amplitude of maximal voluntary contraction during neck flexion.

  11. Range of motion at pre-season

    Time frame: At pre-season (day 0)

    Range of motion in flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion of the neck

  12. Range of motion at post-season

    Time frame: At post-season (around 4 months)

    Range of motion in flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion of the neck

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Other

Collaborators

  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada
  • Quebec Pain Research Network

Registry information

Official study title

Neck Pain and Head Impacts: Evaluation of the Role of Muscular and Biomechanical Factors in Varsity Football Players.

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 20, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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