A Concussion-Avoidance Training to Generate Neck Stiffness as a Conditioned Reflex

Abstract

Impact-induced rotational accelerations of the head are critical to the severity of the consequences of concussions. Here we describe a concussion-avoidance training (CAT) to increase neck stiffness and thereby reducing impact-induced head rotations. The goal of the CAT is the learning or acquisition of dynamic neck stiffness as a conditioned reflex or response (CR) to appropriate conditioned stimuli (CS) for the reduction of concussion risk. We first discuss the neuroscience of conditioned responses in classical conditioning as it applies to motor learning and athletic training. We then describe the practical implementation of the CAT, including the delivery of CS, the validation of CR, and other relevant information. Lastly, we made an effort to estimate quantitatively how significant can one expect the CAT to reduce concussion risk by considering the biomechanics of the head-and-neck.