As stated research reveals “stabilizing the neck” prior to impact is critical to head and neck safety. Watch how the “shoulder shrugging concept” utilized in the Hulk Up Technique to “stabilize the neck” prior to impact is demonstrated by Dr. Patrick Kerr (http://youtu.be/huARc_5xmD4) as he explains how the Kerr Collar works “to reduce on an average up to 38% of head and neck movement (72)”. Learn more about the Kerr
Technology in football took a new approach at Dartmouth University when “a padded, remote-controlled figure designed to allow players to make full contact while minimizing head and neck injuries.” Read and the watch video. Learn more: The “HULK UP” Technique: Inherent to Football?
Currently over 20 states have policies in place to minimize football contact during the off season, summer workouts, preseason practice and in-season practice. These controls vary per state but include such areas as number of full contact sessions in a week as well as the minutes of contact allowed in each session. Recently the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) approved recommendations as a guideline in an minimize
The race is on to design a football helmet or a helmet add-on that will significantly reduce the danger of suffering a concussion. Helmet testing as well as research now recognize rotational blows are more concussive than linear impacts. However the role of helmet add-ons as a solution is still very much in question. Read more: Football Helmet Add-ons Protect the “Upper Cervical Complex” By Dr. Jason Moore D.C. Upper
So what’s the SOLUTION? FIRST it’s important to understand, “neck muscles can reduce angular and rotational acceleration of the head which is felt to be the mechanism of concussion” states Dr. Conidi. (71) SECOND “don’t assume that there is a correlation exits between an athlete’s neck size and neck strength, some individuals with taller and slender necks surprisingly had greater strength than other individuals with shorter and fatter necks,” according
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.
