How RPR Helps Prevent Concussions: A Simple Guide
Introduction
If you’ve heard about Reflected Performance Reset (RPR), you might know it’s a powerful tool for preventing injuries. Many people ask, “Can RPR also help prevent concussions?” The answer is yes! In this article, we’ll break down how RPR works to reduce concussions and what each level of certification offers to keep athletes safe.
How RPR Reduces Concussions
The biggest reason RPR can help prevent concussions is its ability to activate the muscles that support head stabilization. When your head is stable, your muscles can react quickly to impacts, reducing the force of hits to the head. This quick response helps protect the brain and can lower the risk of concussions or lessen their severity.
Level 1: The Foundation of RPR
If you’re a Level 1 RPR practitioner, you know the importance of getting the body’s core functioning properly. The core, especially the hips, is essential for movement. RPR’s Zone 1 focuses on the glutes, hamstrings, and diaphragm—all crucial for stabilizing the neck and spine. This stability is key to reducing the risk of concussions.
Neck Stabilization and Muscle Resets
In addition to working on the neck stabilizers, it’s important to reset other muscles connected to neck flexors and extensors. These muscles can be targeted through simple Zone 1 resets, but RPR also includes more advanced resets that help with concussion prevention. For example, the neck, abs, quads, and arch resets all work together to provide stability, especially before a game. Check out references below for scientific reading.
Level 2: Advanced Techniques for Concussion Prevention
At Level 2, RPR practitioners learn more advanced techniques, like the Ridgeline on the jaw. This technique helps break up patterns that might cause issues with hip flexion and neck stabilization. For example, some people clench their jaw during strenuous activities, which can lead to compensation patterns. If the jaw is open during a hit, the risk of concussion increases. Addressing these patterns can make a big difference in preventing head injuries.
Vision Reset: Reacting Faster to Impacts
Another key aspect of Level 2 RPR is the vision reset. Research shows that being able to react quickly to an incoming impact can minimize the force of that impact. If your vision is clear, you can better see and avoid potential dangers. The vision reset in RPR helps improve your reaction time, making you less likely to get injured, including concussions. As listed in references below
Level 3: The Most Advanced Resets
Finally, Level 3 introduces even more advanced resets, such as those for the transverse abdominis, pectorals, Splenius capitis, and trapezius muscles. While these are important, just mastering the Level 1 and 2 resets can significantly help in preventing concussions.
Conclusion
RPR is a powerful tool for injury prevention, and its effects on reducing concussions are impressive. By focusing on head stabilization, correcting muscle patterns, and improving reaction times, RPR helps keep athletes safer. Whether you’re just starting with RPR or are advancing to higher levels, these techniques can make a big difference in concussion prevention.
References
Ahmadi, A., Maroufi, N., Behtash, H., & Zekavat, H. (2009). Effects of deep cervical flexor training on forward head posture, neck pain, and functional status in adolescents using computers regularly. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 22(2), 69-77.
Collins, C. L., Fletcher, E. N., Fields, S. K., Kluchurosky, L., Rohrkemper, M. K., Comstock, R. D., & Cantu, R. C. (2014). Neck strength: A protective factor reducing risk for concussion in high school sports. Journal of Primary Prevention, 35(5), 309-319.
Collins, C. L., Fletcher, E. N., & Comstock, R. D. (2014). Traumatic brain injury reduction in athletes by neck strengthening. Journal of Athletic Training, 49(6), 775-785.
Falla, D., Jull, G., Russell, T., Vicenzino, B., & Hodges, P. (2007). Effect of specific deep cervical muscle exercises on functional ability in patients with chronic neck pain. Manual Therapy, 12(4), 339-348.
Rutgers University. (2017). Athletes should build neck strength to avoid concussions, Rutgers researchers recommend. Rutgers Today. Retrieved from [Rutgers Today website]
Mihalik, J. P., Guskiewicz, K. M., Marshall, S. W., Greenwald, R. M., Blackburn, J. T., & Cantu, R. C. (2011). The role of neck strength and motor control to reduce concussion risk in sports. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(3), 547-554.
Kung, S., Suksreephaisan, T., Perry, B., Palmer, B., & Page, R. (2020). The effects of anticipation and visual and sensory performance on head accelerations. Journal of Sports
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Rowson, S., Bland, M. L., Campolettano, E. T., Press, J. N., Rowson, B., Smith, J. A., Sproule, D. W., Tyson, A. M., & Duma, S. M. (2016). Biomechanical perspectives on concussion in sport.
Journal of Biomechanics. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27482775/
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. (2021). Preventing concussion in athletes and young children.
https://www.choa.org/parent-resources/concussion/concussion-prevention-in-kids-and-teens
Physio-Pedia. (n.d.). Concussion prevention strategies. Retrieved from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Concussion_Prevention_Strategies
Bussey, M. D., Pinfold, J., Romanchuk, J., & Salmon, D. (2023). Anticipatory head control mechanisms in response to impact perturbations: An investigation of club rugby players with and without a history of concussion injury. Journal of Sports Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1466853X2200147X