Cervical range of motion, cervical and shoulder strength in senior versus age-grade Rugby Union International front-row forwards

• Cervical and shoulder strength, and cervical range of motion were measured.
• All international level front-row players within a National Rugby Union participated.
• Age-grade players had less cervical flexor strength than Senior internationals.
• Greater between age-group deficits were found in cervical than shoulder strength.
• Cervical strength assessment can guide injury evaluation and player preparation.

ObjectivesTo provide normative values for cervical range of motion (CROM), isometric cervical and shoulder strength for; International Senior professional, and International Age-grade Rugby Union front-row forwards.DesignCross-sectional population study.SettingAll international level front-row players within a Rugby Union Tier 1 Nation.ParticipantsNineteen Senior and 21 Age-grade front-row forwards underwent CROM, cervical and shoulder strength testing.Main outcome measuresCROM was measured using the CROM device and the Gatherer System was used to measure multi-directional isometric cervical and shoulder strength.ResultsThe Age-grade players had significantly lower; cervical strength (26–57% deficits), cervical flexion to extension strength ratios (0.5 vs. 0.6), and shoulder strength (2–36% deficits) than the Senior players. However, there were no differences between front-row positions within each age group. Additionally, there were no differences between age groups or front-row positions in the CROM measurements.ConclusionsSenior Rugby Union front-row forwards have greater cervical and shoulder strength than Age-grade players, with the biggest differences being in cervical strength, highlighting the need for age specific normative values. Importantly, Age-grade players should be evaluated to ensure they have developed sufficient cervical strength prior to entering professional level Rugby Union.