Effects of Spinal Immobilization at 20 Degrees on Respiratory Functions

• Published in: The American journal of emergency medicine 2016-10
• Main Authors: Akkuş, Şaban, MD, Çorbacıoğlu, Şeref Kerem, MD, Çevik, Yunsur, MD, Akıncı, Emine, MD, Uzunosmanoğlu, Hüseyin, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Emergency
• ISSN: 0735-6757
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2016.06.105

Abstract Purpose To investigate whether spinal immobilization with a long backboard(LBB) and semi-rigid cervical collar(CC) at 20 degrees instead of 0 degrees conserves pulmonary functions, including FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio. Methodology The study included 56 adult-healthy volunteers. Volunteers were randomly divided into two groups, and those in the first group (Group 1) had LBBs and CCs applied at 0 degrees (n = 30), while volunteers in the second group (Group 2) had LBBs and CCs applied at 20 degrees (n = 26). All volunteers were given pulmonary function tests, which included FEV1 and FVC levels and FEV1/FVC ratios, while in the sitting position. Measurements were repeated at 0, 5, and 30 minutes. Results Results showed significant decreases in FEV1 and FVC values and FEV1/FVC ratios in group-1 and significant decreases in FEV1 values and FEV1/FVC ratios in group-2 (P < .001). However, FVC values were not decreased in group-2 when compared to basal levels taken while in a sitting position (P = .45). In addition, the study evaluated the amounts of decrease in the FEV1 and FVC levels and the FEV1/FVC ratios (ΔFEV1, ΔFVC, and ΔFEV1/FVC ratio). Results showed that ΔFEV1 values compared to basal levels and levels at 0, 5, and 30 minutes were all lower in Group 2 than in Group 1. However, ΔFEV1/FVC ratios were similar in both groups. Conclusion The results of this and previous studies have shown that traditional spinal immobilization decreases respiratory function, while using spinal immobilization at 20 degrees can reduce this decrease in function.