Journal of athletic training
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Cervical muscle strains are an often-overlooked injury, with neck- and spine-related research typically focusing on spinal cord and vertebral injuries. ⋯ The incidence of cervical muscle strains in football players was low compared with other injuries. Nonetheless, identifying and implementing interventions, particularly those aimed at reducing unsafe player contact, are essential to further decrease the risk of injury and associated adverse outcomes.
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Exertional heatstroke is one of the leading causes of death in American football players. Precooling (PC) with whole-body cold-water immersion (CWI) may prevent severe hyperthermia and, possibly, exertional heatstroke. However, it is unknown how much PC delays severe hyperthermia when participants wear American football uniforms during exercise in the heat. Does PC alter the effectiveness of CWI once participants become hyperthermic or affect perceptual variables during exercise? ⋯ Because PC delayed hyperthermia without negatively affecting perceptual variables or CWI effectiveness, clinicians may consider implementing PC along with other proven strategies for preventing heat illness (eg, acclimatization).