Abstract
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This study aimed to determine the most effective neck strengthening program by
comparing a traditional and nontraditional program. Isometric neck strength was
assessed in 32 participants randomly assigned to one of the two neck strengthening programs, traditional and nontraditional. The nontraditional program utilized a novel neck-strengthening device. After weeks 6 and 10 of training, isometric neck strength was re-assessed. With the collected data, linear mixed models were established to compare the changes in neck strength between the two groups during the 10-week training period. Statistical analysis results suggest that, for both cervical extension (CE) and cervical flexion (CF), participants in the novel neck strengthening device group had a significantly higher gain of strength during the ten weeks than the traditional group. As to left cervical lateral flexion (LCLF) and right cervical lateral flexion (RCLF), the novel neck strength group had increased strength gains compared to the traditional group. However, the increase was not enough to demonstrate significant findings. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05.