Abstract
Introduction
Research has suggested baby wearing results in happier healthier babies [1]. Various designs of carrier are available, is there one which has less impact on the biomechanics of the cervical spine?
Methods
18 volunteers (9 male and female) performed a warm up procedure on the neck (movement through each range of motion), repeated thrice. Measurement of the active cervical range of motion (ACROM) in flexion and extension using a Cervical Range of Motion device, described in previous studies [2]. Volunteers were then allocated a baby carrier to wear including a specially designed “baby” mannequin (dimensions based on population average statistics for a 1yro). Volunteers continued with ADLs, returning after 2 hours. With the carrier removed, measurements were repeated (without warm-up). Volunteers were assessed at the same time of day, thrice (control, single carrier, double carrier) with at least 1 day between carrying.
Results
ACROM measurements following the use of either single or double shoulder carrier, or no carrier showed through a paired t-test significance of <0.02, found a change from post-stretching to post-carrying in those wearing the single shoulder carrier, this was the only test period to result in a decrease in both extension and total ACROM for flexion-extension.
Conclusions
Carrying an average 1 yro using a single shoulder carrier can lead to accelerated rate of change in extension of ACROM. These results may have an implication to healthy bodies, thus highly likely that choice of carrier in those with extant cervical spine dysfunction might lead to exacerbation of the problems and pain.
Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest
Sources of funding: No funding obtained
