| 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. Changes in sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane motion were calculated. The head to thorax range of motion available in both the improperly and properly fitted helmet was significantly greater than the no helmet condition (F(2,34)=34.48; p<.001), (F (2,34)=17.18; p<.001), (F(2,34)=39.72; p<.001). 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 helmet conditions. The head to thorax range of motion was significantly greater than the helmet to thorax 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. |
