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Trusted head injury prevention technique debunked

A new study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that traditional neck muscle resistance training does not reduce a player's head acceleration during impact, contrary to popular thinking in athletics. The eight-week program did improve neck muscle strength but failed to enhance head stabilization.

SourceTemple University·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateJan 9, 2006

Football is a pain in the neck

Researchers found that football players suffered significantly more neck injuries than those playing hockey or soccer. The study attributed this increase to the design of football tackles, which impede opposing player motion.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 20, 2005

Smoking not linked to hearing loss

Research found no significant association between serum cotinine levels and hearing loss, contradicting previous reports. The study included 197 patients with new hearing loss and 394 without, but noted the need for further longitudinal studies to clarify the relationship.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 15, 2004

Depression can lead to back pain

A new study published in the journal Pain found that people with depression are four times more likely to develop intense or disabling neck and low back pain. Researchers hope to uncover why these conditions are commonly linked, exploring coping methods to break a vicious cycle.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPain·DateFeb 26, 2004

Neurology study 'fraught with design flaws,' according to American Chiropractic Association

A recent study found no new information on the relationship between chiropractic neck treatment and vertebral artery dissection (VAD), a rare type of stroke. However, experts believe it's physically impossible for a competently performed neck adjustment to cause VAD unless the artery already has a significant pre-existing weakness.

SourceAmerican Chiropractic Association·JournalNeurology·DateMay 12, 2003

Early-warning procedure can help more melanoma patients than previously thought

A new study reveals that sentinel lymph node mapping can be safely performed on patients with melanoma in the delicate head and neck area, allowing for early detection of cancer spread. The technique has been shown to accurately stage patients and identify those who need further treatment, potentially improving survival rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJan 20, 2003

Soccer headgear fails in testing

A recent study by Whitaker investigator Phil Bayly and his collaborators tested four brands of headgear, finding that they failed to dampen the impact of heading a soccer ball. The researchers used pressure sensors and metal mannequin heads to simulate heading at different speeds, revealing that only the fastest speed eased the impact.

SourceWhitaker Foundation·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJan 10, 2003

Ergonomic changes help musculoskeletal problems

A Cornell University study found that workers using proper ergonomic products and trained in their use experience a significant decline in musculoskeletal problems. The study, which involved coordinating ergonomic interventions with training, showed improvements in nearly half of the participants.