Reliability Assessment of the 2nd Prototype of a Novel Portable Device for Tension Neck Strength Measurement
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ABSTRACT Introduction: Sports-related cervical neck injuries present an escalating concern in Sports Medicine, necessitating the development of innovative assessment tools to enhance cervical neck strength. Accurate evaluation of cervical neck strength is vital for implementing preventative and rehabilitative protocols aimed at mitigating traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study introduces the NSAT 2.5, a novel prototype portable device designed to improve cervical neck strength. The primary objective is to assess the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the NSAT 2.5 compared to the original NSAT and two handheld dynamometers. This study hypothesizes that resistance training utilizing the NSAT 2.5 under the supervision of certified Athletic Trainers or Sports Medical Professionals will significantly enhance cervical neck strength, offering both rehabilitative and preventative benefits. Methods: Fifty-six participants (13 males, 43 females; mean age 20.2) were recruited from health-related courses within the Exercise Science curriculum at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Inclusion criteria encompassed all students aged 18–30 without exclusion parameters. Each participant provided informed consent and underwent height and weight measurements, along with self-reported concussion history. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four testing orders to minimize order effects and enhance validity. The NSAT 2.5, NSAT 2.0, and two handheld dynamometers were utilized to measure cervical flexion (CF), cervical extension (CE), right lateral cervical flexion (RLCF), and left lateral cervical flexion (LLCF). Each device measured three trials of isometric strength for the four cervical neck movements, with all data securely recorded for subsequent analysis. Results: Intra-class correlation (ICC) values for the NSAT 2.5 demonstrated high intra-rater reliability across all four cervical movements. Inter-rater ICC cross-correlation analysis indicated that the NSAT 2.5 exhibited superior reliability compared to the NSAT 2.0 and handheld dynamometers. Specifically, ICC values comparing NSAT 2.5 to NSAT 2.0 were .938 (CF), .900 (CE), .920 (RLCF), and .905 (LLCF), while values comparing NSAT 2.5 to handheld dynamometers ranged from .685 to .849. These results underscore the NSAT 2.5's enhanced precision and consistency in measuring cervical neck strength. Conclusion: The NSAT 2.5 outperformed its predecessor and handheld dynamometers, demonstrating excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. These findings highlight the device's potential as a robust tool for assessing cervical neck strength, both in rehabilitation settings and preventative protocols. By integrating the NSAT 2.5 into clinical practice, Sports Medical Professionals can more accurately evaluate and improve cervical neck strength, potentially reducing the incidence and severity of TBI in athletic populations. Practical Applications: The NSAT 2.5 presents a promising advancement in cervical neck strength assessment, offering a reliable and portable solution for sports medicine practitioners. Its application extends to both injury prevention programs and rehabilitation protocols, fostering safer athletic participation and aiding recovery from cervical injuries. The device’s consistent performance across multiple raters supports its use in diverse clinical environments, enhancing the standard of care in Sports Medicine.Practical ApplicationsThe study provides critical insights into the reliability of neck strength assessment tools and supports the development of a cost-effective, portable, and reliable instrument for isometric neck strength measurement. The previous NSAT-1 iteration showed intra-rater reliability ICC values of .87, .91, .91, and .88 for CE, CF, LLCF, and RLCF.
