Current Evidence for the Use of Jugular Vein Compression Collars in Sport: A Systematic Review

Sport-related concussions are a common type of brain injury, and the best treatment is prevention. Recently, external jugular vein compression collars have been worn by National Football League players, but the current evidence is limited. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first comprehensive, up-to-date systematic review addressing the use of jugular vein compression collars for decreasing concussion incidence in high-impact sports and activities. Overall, when compared to control, the results indicated that jugular vein compression collars resulted in significantly reduced white matter alteration, improved short-term neurocognitive outcomes, increased internal jugular vein cross-sectional area, decreased internal carotid artery cross-sectional area, and moderating effects on peak pulse pressure. There was no significant difference in concussion incidence rate between groups. While promising, these findings warrant future research to assess jugular vein compression collar's role in concussion prevention, brain injury, and long-term neurocognitive outcomes. The authors are hopeful for the role jugular vein compression collars will play in the future.