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Effects of cervical collars on standing balance
M M Burl1, J G Williams, U S Nayak
1School of Physiotherapy, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, England.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Cervical collars do not impact standing balance in healthy women. Older women exhibit greater sway velocity than younger women, particularly with eyes closed or in wide-base stances.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Standing balance is crucial for mobility and fall prevention.
- Cervical collars are commonly used for neck injuries, potentially affecting balance.
- Age-related changes can influence postural control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of cervical collars on standing balance in young and older healthy women.
- To compare postural sway between age groups under various conditions.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy women (18-29 years) and twenty healthy women (60-78 years) participated.
- Participants stood on a force platform with and without a cervical collar.
- Measurements included sway velocity (total, lateral, anteroposterior) in different stance and visual conditions.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in sway velocity was found between wearing and not wearing a cervical collar.
- Older women demonstrated significantly greater sway velocity than younger women.
- Sway velocity increased with eyes closed and in wide-base stances, especially in the anteroposterior direction.
Conclusions:
- Cervical collars do not appear to impair standing balance in healthy young and older women.
- Age is a significant factor influencing standing balance, with older adults exhibiting reduced stability.
- Future research could explore effects in populations with pre-existing balance deficits or different collar types.