Mechanical efficacy of the mobilising cervical support device (Mbrace)

Abstract

This study evaluated the mechanical efficacy of a new "mobilising" cervical support device. This device has been developed in response to the requirements of whiplash patients to overcome the problems of heat and immobilisation which can occur in patients wearing conventional wrap-around cervical collars. All planes of cervical range of motion of 21 volunteer subjects without current or past cervical dysfunction were measured actively and passively under two conditions (no support and with cervical support) using the cervical range of motion (CROM) instrument. The results show that the mobilising cervical support device restricts hyperextension effectively while allowing substantial movement in other planes of motion (flexion, rotation and lateral bending). This potential mobility keeps nearly all muscles in the neck fit and problems of muscle atrophy, weakness and contraction, which can occur in patients using conventional cervical wrap around collars, can be avoided. Regarding mechanical efficacy, the mobilising cervical support device can be useful in the (early) mobilisation phase in patients needing gentle neck support after a soft tissue hyperextension or whiplash injury.