title: Influence of Neck Laceration Protectors on Cervical Range of Motion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effect of a hockey neck laceration protector (NLP) on cervical range of motion (ROM) along with the athlete's perception on comfort and restrictiveness. Our hypothesis was that all styles of NLPs would limit cervical ROM compared to no NLP, and that certain designs of NLPs would be perceived as more restrictive and less comfortable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional observational analytic.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outpatient sports medicine clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-six male and female high school hockey players (age 14-18).
  
  
  METHODS
  Four commercially available NLPs and no NLP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cervical ROM and participant feedback regarding restrictiveness and comfort.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ROM values while wearing any of the NLPs were significantly less than no NLP for all cervical motion measurements (P < 0.05) with the exception of the Bauer Premium NLP for left rotation (P = 0.792). Significant differences were found between the 4 NLPs in terms of perceived restrictiveness and comfort (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NLPs may reduce the risk of a neck laceration, but appear to have a negative impact on cervical ROM. This study challenges manufactures to design NLPs that cover vulnerable neck anatomy but do not limit a player's ROM. NLP designs that are most comfortable and least restrictive are recommended.
authors.affiliation: *Mayo School of Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; †Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Departments of ‡Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and §Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Krause
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Stuart
authors.forename: Lauren N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.forename: Joel C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hegeman
authors.forename: Rachel M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.forename: Hannah M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Weiher
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Hollman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006688:Hockey / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000067393:Personal Protective Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires