In lacrosse, how do the smaller shoulder pads affect the neck position when supine?

In lacrosse, the design of smaller shoulder pads is intended to allow for greater range of motion and agility compared to bulkier pads. This streamlined design can influence the position of the neck when an athlete is supine (lying on their back).

When smaller shoulder pads are worn, they tend to offer less support and coverage, which can lead to the head being positioned more forward relative to the torso. This position causes a slight flexion of the neck, as the upper back and shoulders are not as pushed back or elevated by larger shoulder pads. Therefore, the smaller pads may result in the neck bending slightly forward to maintain balance and forward vision, impacting the overall posture while supine.

Understanding how equipment design translates to body mechanics is critical in sports medicine, especially in assessing injury risks and making recommendations for protective gear. The interaction between gear and body posture can influence both performance and safety in contact sports like lacrosse.