A non-experimental study was conducted to explore whether cervical proprioception was compromised in female collegiate soccer players and to examine what factors may be related to impaired proprioception. Each study participant performed the Head Repositioning Accuracy (HRA) test using active relocation to the original self-selected neutral head position (NHP). Error, in degrees, for repositioning to the NHP was read from a cervical range of motion device. Phase one established cut-off values for classification of impaired cervical proprioception. Phase two compared cervical proprioception between a sample of soccer and non-contact sports athletes. Each phase two group consisted of 24 female participants who were 18-24 years of age.
Comparisons between soccer players and non-contact athletes were conducted to determine if there were statistically significant differences in history of cervical injuries and history of concussions. Demographic data between groups lacked statistical significance. Absolute error (AE), constant error (CE), and variable error (VE) were calculated and compared between groups. A significant difference was found for AE left. Absolute error right, CE left and right, and VE left and right lacked statistically significant differences between groups. Within the soccer group a report of a previous concussion, a history of a cervical injury, and field position were compared for players with and without impaired cervical proprioception. Each lacked statistical significance. A higher percentage of soccer players with a history of a cervical injury had impaired cervical proprioception overall. The statistically significant difference in AE left may lead to consideration of proprioceptive preseason screening for injury prevention and post-injury rehabilitation.