ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the effects of spinal immobilization devices on pulmonary functions. METHODS: This study was a cross-over trial in healthy volunteer subjects; 60 volunteers were included. We performed a full spirometry in the supine position, and forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC were recorded in all subjects. Then, Philadelphia type cervical collar (Philly) and Kendrick extrication device (KED) were applied to all subjects. We measured FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC in all subjects in the supine position at the 5th and 30th minutes after application of cervical collar and KED. After a one-hour relaxation period, Philly and long spinal backboard with straps were applied to all subjects. FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC were measured again in all subjects at the 5th and 30th minutes after application of cervical collar and long spinal backboard. RESULTS: After application of KED, baseline levels were compared with levels at the 5th and 30th minutes. Statistically significant decreases were determined in FEV1 (p=0.000) and FVC levels (p=0.000) after application of KED, but there were no significant differences in FEV1/FVC levels. After application of the long spinal backboard, a comparison of baseline levels and levels at the 5th and 30th minutes demonstrated statistically significant decreases in FEV1 (p=0.000) and FVC levels (p=0.000), but no significant difference in FEV1/FVC levels. CONCLUSION: We determined that both KED and long spinal backboard cause a decrease in pulmonary functions.
