Effectiveness of cervical spine stabilization during spine boarding of collegiate lacrosse athletes

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Meredith A. Busby Petschauer, PhD (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Randy Schmitz

Abstract: "This study determined if properly and improperly fitted lacrosse helmets provide adequate stabilization of the head, and therefore the cervical spine, in the spine boarded athlete. A 3 x 3 repeated measures design was used with head to helmet range of motion (flexion/extension, side bending, and rotation) and helmet condition (properly fitted, improperly fitted and no helmet) as independent variables. Also a 2 x 2 repeated measures design was used with testing condition (improperly fitted helmet, and properly fitted helmet) and range of motion conditions (head to thorax motion and helmet to thorax). Eighteen healthy collegiate men's lacrosse players were asked to move their heads through three planes of motion after being secured to the spine board under each of the three helmet conditions. The changes in range of motion in the cervical spine were then calculated. In sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes the head to thorax range of motion available in both the improperly fitted and properly fitted helmet was significantly greater than the no helmet condition (F(2,34)=34.48; p<.0001), (F(2,34)=17.18; p<.0001), (F(2,34)=39.72; p<.0001). In the sagittal plane the range of motion was greater in the improperly fitted helmet than the properly fitted helmet. There was no difference in the helmet to thorax range of motion between properly and improperly fitted helmet conditions. The head to thorax range of motion was significantly greater than the head to helmet range of motion in all three planes, sagittal (F(1, 17)=279.59; p<.0001), frontal (F(1, 17)=184.05; p<.0001), and transverse (F(1, 17)=211.43; p<.0001). Thus, the cervical spine was stabilized better when the lacrosse helmet was removed. Adjusting the fit of the helmet only improved head immobilization in the sagittal plane. "--Abstract from author supplied metadata.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2006
Keywords
lacrosse, helmets, head stabilization, spine boarding, cervical spine, athletes, range of motion, kinesiology
Subjects
Lacrosse players--Wounds and injuries--United States
Cervical vertebrae--Wounds and injuries
Lacrosse--Safety measures

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