Research overwhelmingly supports that head and neck stabilization prior to impact is critical to protect the brain from trauma. Therefore, it seems only logical that an experienced NFL player would protect his head and neck during impact when he knows the collision is coming. To see Luke Kuechly hit https://youtu.be/9bncaVseJS4 Learn more about how to stabilize the head and neck to the shoulders and upper back to act as a
“Bio mechanical researchers have long understood that rotational forces, not linear forces, are responsible for serious brain damage. Including concussions, brain injury complications and brain bleeds.” (55) Rotational acceleration is defined as “when the head comes to a sudden stop, if it’s rotating, and the brain material is twisting inside the head and that can cause concussion and brain injury.” (56) Dr. Christopher Giza, MD pediatric neurology and neurosurgery at
While significant research on football helmets has been aimed at reducing concussions, a recent study focused on the effect of “helmet mass (weight) on head and upper neck responses” concluded that the increased weight and mass of the helmet “is a possible explanation as to why there has not been a corresponding reduction in concussion rates despite improvements in helmets ability to reduce head acceleration”. Read the study abstract at
A football players ability to anticipate football impact and stabilize or brace the head and neck prior to contact is paramount to head and neck safety. Dr. Karen Johnson a recognized Canadian concussion researcher stated a “force to concuss a fixed neck is twice that of a mobile neck” while other research as supports that “bracing or cervical stiffness can reduce the magnitude impacts”. Learn more about how to stabilize
It has been well established stabilizing the head and neck in football is critical to reducing concussions. Some evidence now suggests that clenching on a mouthguard decreases head acceleration prior to impact in studies involving rugby drills/tackling and soccer heading. This research reports a significant reduction in head acceleration when clenching on a mouthguard although football research is inconclusive at this time. Read entire articles at Does Clenching Reduce Indirect
The Football Safety Academy acknowledges the coach has the responsibility to decide which football techniques should be taught for the well being and safety of his players and there is not one specific technique including the Hulk Shrug Technique or safety device that can completely eliminate the risk of injury from impacts related to football including catastrophic injury and death. To the knowledge of the Football Safety Academy no specific research has been done regarding the Hulk Shrug Technique, however the Football Safety Academy is actively pursuing this goal.
